If a mean girl is bullying someone at work, calmly confront her and say, “I don’t think this is appropriate work behavior. Maybe we should focus on our work instead. ” If a mean girl makes fun of your work attire, simply smile and return back to your work. If a mean girl dumps a project she’s meant to do on you, sweetly say, “This wasn’t assigned to me, but I’m sure you’re going to do a great job! Let me know how it turns out. ”
If a member of the clique starts taking credit for your work, try telling your manager, “The article you mentioned in today’s meeting was written by me and me alone. I’m not sure how my name was removed, but I would like it added back on. ” If members of the clique start isolating employees, try speaking up to your manager, “I’ve noticed some tension in the office, and not everyone is feeling included or happy. ”[5] X Research source
Address yours and the office’s distress with your supervisor by saying something like, “I wanted to talk to you about an office concern,” or, “There’s been some conflict between some coworkers, and I think you should be aware. ”
Think about what it would be like in one of the mean girls’s shoes. Would you be happy or sad at work? Would you feel alone? Extend a welcoming hand to members of the clique, and show them that they don’t have to be a mean girl to matter to the office. Observe the mean girls to see how you can be a friend. Does one of the girls have a poster with one of your favorite quotes on it? Do you like the shoes she’s wearing? Find ways to be nice, and they might be nice in return.
To deflect the conversation, try something like, “It’s none of my business. ” To make an excuse to leave, try saying, “I need to go print off some copies. Excuse me. ” To express discomfort, say something like, “This isn’t the time to be talking about this. We should probably get back to work. ” To defuse the conversation, try saying, “She seems really overwhelmed. I think she has a lot on her plate, and you probably shouldn’t be adding more to it. ”
Invite coworkers who are usually left out to sit next to you at lunch. Visit a different floor or section of the office to meet new people.
When starting a project with mean girls, set boundaries by saying something like, “This should take us less than a week if we stay on task. I expect us to work until lunch every morning before moving on to other projects. ” If mean girls make you doubt yourself, try telling them, “I’m a harder worker, and I don’t appreciate you undermining me,” and, “No, I don’t agree. We all are valuable members of this team. ”
Decorate your desk or office for holidays for some extra cheer. Find items with your favorite lyrics, quotes, or fictional characters to place around your work space.
The work you do matters, so don’t let them make you think otherwise!
If going outside isn’t an option at work, go into another room and do a few stretches.
Find an activity to do after work. This will keep you motivated throughout the day to be productive and give you something to look forward to.
