Many of us have experienced the challenges of work relationships in our eye care practices. The stress of working with a difficult colleague, an insecure leader, a passive-aggressive peer, a know-it-all, or someone whose behavior consistently leaves us feeling frustrated, unseen, or emotionally drained.
While work relationships can be one of the most challenging parts of professional life, they can also be deeply meaningful, energizing, and productive.
The impact of difficult work relationships is significant and real. Stressful interactions can dampen creativity, reduce productivity, impair decision-making, and make it more difficult to stay engaged. We may find ourselves replaying conversations, worrying about emails, withdrawing from colleagues, or reacting in ways we later regret. Over time, these patterns can affect our own performance and well-being—as well as practice performance.
In her book “Getting Along,” workplace expert and Harvard Business Review podcast host Amy Gallo offers a practical and compassionate guide for navigating these relationships. Gallo acknowledges that difficult workplace dynamics are complex. The way we respond to an insecure boss may differ from the way we respond to a biased coworker, a pessimist, or someone who avoids accountability.
Here, we share four of the most powerful messages from “Getting Along” to help navigate workplace relationships.
Tool #1: Remember, We Have Choices
Gallo shares that we do not have to bear thoughtless, irrational, or harmful behavior. At the same time, “taking the high road” does not mean ignoring the problem or sacrificing ourselves. It means responding with clarity, intention, and self-respect.
Gallo encourages readers to look beneath the surface of difficult behavior. What might be driving this person’s actions? What role might fear, insecurity, bias, stress, or miscommunication be playing?
This perspective does not excuse harmful behavior, but it can help us respond more effectively. Once we understand the pattern, we can choose a strategy that is more likely to lead to progress.
Tool #2: Practice Interpersonal Resilience
We cannot control every coworker, leader, or workplace culture, but we can strengthen our ability to respond thoughtfully. That includes setting boundaries, speaking up when necessary, managing our emotional reactions, and deciding when continued effort is no longer healthy or productive.
Tool #3: Maintain Relationships
When working in a team environment, “Getting Along” stresses the importance of relationships. Our skills and knowledge influence the quality of our work—as well as how we communicate, collaborate, repair conflict, and create psychological safety.
Difficult people will likely always be part of the workplace, but with the appropriate tools, we can navigate challenging relationships with greater confidence and less emotional burden.
Tool #4: View ‘Getting Along’ as an Opportunity
Getting along is about staying grounded, protecting our well-being, and choosing responses that align with our values, not necessarily about pleasing everyone. Workplace relationships are not just something to deal with. They are opportunities to practice self-awareness, courage, empathy, and resilience.
Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBLCA, ACC, is a doctor of optometry, podcast host, and founding board member of the Intrepid Eye Society. She is also an ICF Associate Certified Coach and the founder of Alpine Blue Coaching.