Posted by Have you ever been pressured by your colleagues to do something you’re not interested in? It can be difficult to decline the offer of your colleagues, especially when they are trying their best to convince you. Keep in mind that it’s fine to decline your colleagues’ offers when you simple aren’t interested. With that said, here are some tips on how you can manage peer pressure in the workplace.
1. Pretend to be sick
The simplest way to get your colleagues off your back is to pull the “sick card”. It’s certainly not a bad idea when it comes to quickly sorting out with peer pressure. Your colleagues certainly wouldn’t want you to join when you aren’t feeling your best, so telling them that you are not in a good shape will get you off the hook in no time.
2. Come up with other plans
Tell your colleagues that you have already made plans is another approach to get yourself out of being pressured into doing things you are not keen on. Most people won’t try as hard to pressure you out of your commitments and priorities.
3. Stalling time
Not a fan of confrontation and saying “no”? Then stalling can work for you! If your colleagues invited you to an outing after work, tell them that you need time instead of making a decision immediately. This approach gives them the impression that you might consider their offer so they won’t rush you to decide on the spot. Before leaving from work, you may decline their invitation, leaving them with no time to convince you.
4. Provide a witty answer
If your colleagues asked you to tag along, the best way to get them out of their grasp is to explain why you can’t join them. You can even provide a witty explanation of why you prefer not to join if you wish to make things less uptight. For instance, if you don’t want to go out for a few drinks after work, you can turn down their offer by stating “I am taking the night off, giving the liver a break!” with a laugh.
5. no,No,NO!
Just keep saying no until your colleagues stop pestering you. Don’t give in to peer pressure because there is a reason why your mind is telling you to decline the invitation. If your colleagues still can’t take the hint, give them a stern look when you say no to them again. It may not even be worth joining them in the first place if they are going to ridicule you for declining. What’s a little tease if it means you get to spend time at home resting or doing something more productive?
What is your take on dealing with peer pressure? Leave us your thoughts on the comment sections below. Head over to Jobstore.com and unveil your next job opportunity.
You Jing is a content writer who writes career and lifestyle contents to inspire job seekers and employers alike on their journey to work-life balance, empowerment and transformation in their career path.
Reach me at youjing@jobstore.com