Cheryl: Regarding your posts of November 13 and 14, 2023 about my difficult coworker, how do I fix this mess now that I’m in it?

Higg(in)s: Keep that Mona Lisa Smile pasted on your face. Continue to define the qualities you would like to see in your coworkers. Reading your new and improved list on a daily basis is a powerful tool. Acknowledge something you do like about each player in your workplace adventure. Again, do this daily. (Yes, we know it takes time to do this. Once you get this situation resolved and you move into your future you will spend less time cleaning up messes.)

The harder part of cleaning up a mess is that there are few good choices. Listen for inspiration and follow your intuition. You will at minimum be guided towards least worst options. When you speak for yourself do so without heat. Continue to treat those involved as though they are important and valuable. They are. Remember, no matter how uncomfortable the situation, you created it, and you can learn something from it that will help you the remainder of your days on earth. This person is doing something for you, not to you.