Negotiate Anything

Difficult Colleagues? How to Manage Workplace Drama Without Sacrificing Your Peace

Mar 22, 2025

Catherine Mattice, founder of Civility Partners and author of "Back Off!", dives into the complexities of workplace dynamics. She offers practical strategies for addressing disrespectful behavior and setting boundaries without jeopardizing relationships. Catherine emphasizes the power of coaching over confrontation, advocating for empathy when dealing with difficult colleagues. Additionally, she discusses the impact of perception in workplace conversations and how feedback can transform team morale. Tune in for insights on reclaiming your power and navigating office drama!

37:35

Episode guests

Catherine Mattice

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Addressing disrespectful behavior early helps set firm boundaries and fosters a healthier work environment free from escalation.

Utilizing a perception-based approach in discussions allows difficult colleagues to recognize their behavior's impact on team dynamics.

Deep dives

Understanding Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying is a complex issue that often stems from underlying competencies, where individuals feel threatened by others whom they perceive as more talented or assertive. Instead of focusing solely on eliminating bullying behavior, it is essential to engage with those exhibiting such behavior, offering coaching and support to help them recognize their impact on colleagues. This approach acknowledges that many bullies are not inherently malicious; rather, they may be struggling with insecurities and a long history of fighting for their position. By shifting the narrative from 'villain' to 'individual needing support,' it becomes possible to foster a more empathetic workplace culture.

Intro

2min

Building a Consulting Firm to Combat Workplace Toxicity

2min

Coaching Beyond Confrontation

6min

Navigating Perception in Workplace Conversations

2min

Unveiling Perceptions: The Power of Feedback in the Workplace

2min

Navigating Difficult Workplace Dynamics

22min

Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company

In this eye-opening episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian sits down with Catherine Mattice, founder of Civility Partners, to tackle one of the biggest workplace challenges—dealing with difficult colleagues and navigating workplace conflict.

Feeling drained by office politics? Struggling to stand up to overbearing coworkers? Unsure how to address workplace tension without making things worse? This episode is for you.

Catherine, an expert in workplace dynamics and conflict resolution, shares practical strategies to:

Address disrespectful behavior before it escalates

Set firm boundaries without damaging relationships

Coach difficult colleagues to shift their behavior

Navigate power struggles and regain confidence

Workplace challenges don’t have to hold you back. Whether you're dealing with passive-aggressive behavior, office drama, or direct intimidation, this episode equips you with the tools to stay in control and negotiate your way to a better work environment.

Listen now and start taking back your power.

Connect with Catherine

Buy Now The Book: Back Off! by Catherine Mattice

Follow Catherine on LinkedIn

https://civilitypartners.com/

Contact ANI

Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company

Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn

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