workplace-navigation

Claude uses this skill when:

• Dealing with difficult colleagues
• Resolving team conflicts
• Managing toxic dynamics
• Maintaining relationships under stress

1. Understanding Difficult Behavior

Common Causes:

• Fear (insecurity, job security)
• Misalignment (different goals)
• Ego (need to be right)
• Style differences (communication)

2. Conflict Resolution Pattern

The Approach:

1. Understand root cause
2. Find shared goals
3. Address directly
4. Escalate if needed

---

Template: Difficult Colleague Strategy

```markdown

# Colleague: [Name]

• What they do: [describe]
• Impact on work: [describe]
• Frequency: [often/sometimes/rarely]

• Fear: [possible insecurity]
• Misalignment: [different goals]
• Ego: [need for control/recognition]
• Style: [communication difference]

1. One-on-One

• Goal: Understand their perspective
• Opening: "[Non-confrontational question]"
• Listen for: [underlying concerns]

2. Find Common Ground

• Shared goal: [what we both want]
• Frame collaboration: [how we both win]

3. Set Boundaries

• What's acceptable: [define]
• What's not: [define]
• Consequences: [if behavior continues]

4. Escalation Path (if needed)

• When: [after X attempts fail]
• To whom: [manager, HR]
• With: [documented examples]

```

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🚧 Navigation Checklist

Before Confronting:

• [ ] Understand root cause
• [ ] Check your own role
• [ ] Prepare non-confrontational opening
• [ ] Find shared goals

During Conversation:

• [ ] Stay calm
• [ ] Listen actively
• [ ] Focus on behavior, not person
• [ ] Offer collaboration

If Unsuccessful:

• [ ] Document instances
• [ ] Loop in manager
• [ ] Set boundaries
• [ ] Protect your work

---

Anneka Gupta:

> "Most difficult behavior comes from fear or misalignment, not malice."