BizQuiz: Can you battle job burnout? (Answer 4C)

4) C-Wrong.

Recounting the flaws and annoying habits of a co-worker fuels your anger, frustration, dislike-and burnout. Like a brushfire in the woods, your negative comments run around, igniting anger and job dissatisfaction-and make others wonder what you say behind their backs. But you don't have to bottle up your annoyance: Use it. Confront the co-worker in a friendly, productive way. Here's how.

When you speak to the co-worker in question, keep personal issues out of it by focusing on behaviors that cause problems, be supportive and team-focused, and maintain a friendly tone of voice. Here's an example veterinary consultant Debbie Allaben Gair, CVPM, gave in a recent article: “When people talk to me while I'm on the phone, it drives me crazy because I can't concentrate on helping the client. If you need to correct what I'm saying, please tell me after I hang up. Then I'll call the client back if necessary.”

You can never guarantee the co-worker's behavior will change, but taking the high road and addressing the issue sensibly and fairly will make you feel a little more connected and refreshed-guaranteed. Hey, it beats becoming the office complainer.

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