Thriving in Workplace Relationships: From Surviving to Shaping the Dynamic

It won’t always be like this! 😜

We’ve all had them; the colleague who rubs us the wrong way, the boss who seems impossible to please, or the team member whose silence in meetings feels more like resistance than restraint. In the intricate dance of workplace dynamics, relationships can either elevate us or drain us. But here’s the truth most professionals don’t hear often enough:

You don’t need to love everyone you work with, but you do need to learn how to work with them.

As an executive coach and former corporate leader, I’ve worked with many clients, navigating everything from dysfunctional peer relationships to high-stakes boardroom politics. The common thread? Success rarely hinges on technical skill alone. It’s emotional intelligence, relationship acumen, and the ability to manage yourself in the presence of others that sets thriving professionals apart.

So, how do you thrive rather than just survive in challenging workplace relationships?

Start with Self-Awareness, Not Blame

When faced with difficult dynamics, our first instinct is often to diagnose what’s wrong with them. But real growth starts with the mirror.

• What do they trigger in you?

• What assumptions are you carrying about their intentions?

• How might your reactions be reinforcing the tension?

In coaching, we often explore the concept of “the story I’m telling myself.” Most of the time, that story isn’t neutral. By becoming aware of it, you reclaim the power to rewrite it and to choose your response rather than reacting on autopilot.

Shift from Conflict to Curiosity

It’s easy to label someone as “difficult.” It’s harder - and far more productive - to get curious about why they operate the way they do.

Ask yourself:

• What pressures might they be under?

• What might success look like from their perspective?

• What unmet need might be driving their behaviour?

I once coached a senior leader who couldn’t stand her peer. Every meeting felt like a battle. Through coaching, she came to realise that their values weren’t actually misaligned, but their communication styles were. Once she adapted how she engaged, he responded in kind. They never became best friends, but they became effective collaborators and that made all the difference.

Turn Critics into Coaches — or at Least into Neutrals

Not every relationship will transform. That’s reality. But many of the people we find most challenging can, over time, become allies - or at least non-obstacles.

Here’s how:

• Seek feedback before it’s given. It disarms defensiveness and shows openness.

• Find shared goals. Alignment often breaks down barriers.

• Acknowledge their strengths. It’s hard to stay adversarial when someone recognises your value.

You don’t have to be liked, but you do need to be respected. And respect is often built when people see you as fair, consistent, and open.

Remember - how you manage relationships is your brand

Every interaction is a data point. Over time, people build a picture of who you are - how you behave under pressure, how you treat others, and how you navigate difference.

Thriving in relationships isn’t about being nice. It’s about being intentional. Leaders are judged not just by the results they deliver, but by how they get there. How you show up with your peers, direct reports, and even your sceptics sends a message. What message are you sending?

The Real Goal? Psychological Maturity, Not Popularity

The most successful professionals I’ve coached are rarely the loudest in the room or the most charismatic. They’re the most grounded. They’ve done the inner work. They know their values. They take responsibility for their triggers. And they build bridges - not to win approval, but to make progress. And that’s the point. Relationships at work aren’t about winning - they’re about moving forward. Together.

💭 Final Thought

In the end, thriving in workplace relationships is less about mastering others and more about mastering yourself. If you can do that consistently, consciously, and with curiosity you’ll not only navigate the hard ones better… you’ll transform the good ones into great ones. And you’ll go home each day a little lighter, a little prouder, and a lot more fulfilled.

If this resonates with you or if you’re grappling with a difficult dynamic right now drop me a WhatsApp +6593367266 or if you’re reading this on LinkedIn, leave a comment, like and share. I’d love to hear how you’re navigating it. Because the truth is: we all need support to grow, and relationships are the real crucible of that growth.