Have you ever been labelled as a difficult employee at work? Do you find it hard to get along with your colleagues or to meet your manager's expectations?

If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle with difficult work relationships, but the good news is that it's possible to turn things around.

Understanding the Reasons 

There can be a variety of reasons why someone might be labeled as a difficult employee. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Poor Communication Skills - Good communication is essential in the workplace. If you struggle to communicate effectively with your colleagues or manager, it can cause misunderstandings, conflict, and tension.
• Resistance to Change - Change is a natural part of any workplace. If you're resistant to change, you may struggle to adapt to new procedures or ways of doing things, which can cause friction with others.
• Lack of Accountability - Taking responsibility for your actions and being accountable for your work is crucial in the workplace. If you don't take ownership of your work and fail to meet expectations, it can cause frustration and disappointment from your colleagues and manager.
• Negative Attitude - A negative attitude can be toxic in the workplace. If you're constantly complaining or criticising others, it can bring down the morale of your team and create a difficult work environment.
• Poor Time Management - Meeting deadlines and managing your time effectively is essential in the workplace. If you struggle with time management, it can cause stress and anxiety for yourself and others, especially if it impacts the team's overall productivity.

How to Improve Your Work Relationships

Improving your work relationships and becoming a more productive and positive member of the team takes time and effort. Here are some steps you can take to turn things around:

• Listen to Feedback - If you've been labeled as a difficult employee, it's important to listen to feedback from your colleagues and manager. Take the time to understand their concerns and work to address them.
• Communicate Effectively - Communication is key in any workplace. Take the time to communicate clearly and respectfully with your colleagues and manager, and be open to constructive feedback.
• Embrace Change - Change is inevitable in any workplace, and it's important to embrace it. Be willing to adapt to new procedures or ways of doing things, and be open to learning new skills. 
• Take Accountability - Taking responsibility for your work and being accountable for your actions is crucial. If you make a mistake, own up to it and work to make things right.
• Develop a Positive Attitude - A positive attitude can go a long way in improving work relationships. Focus on the good things in your job, and work to find solutions instead of dwelling on problems.
• Improve Time Management Skills - Managing your time effectively is essential in the workplace. Take steps to prioritise tasks, manage your schedule, and meet deadlines.

In conclusion, being labeled as a difficult employee can be challenging, but it's important to understand the reasons behind it and take steps to improve your work relationships. By listening to feedback, communicating effectively, embracing change, taking accountability, developing a positive attitude, and improving time management skills, you can become a more productive and positive member of your team.

If you're struggling with difficult work relationships, therapy can be a valuable tool to help you address the underlying issues and develop the skills and strategies you need to succeed.

Through therapy, you can work with a trained professional to explore the reasons behind your difficulties and develop a plan to improve your communication skills, manage stress and anxiety, and build healthy relationships with your colleagues and manager. Don't let difficult work relationships hold you back from achieving your career goals.

Consider seeking therapy to help you thrive in your workplace