Avoiding confrontation with colleagues

Avoiding confrontation with a difficult person may be an appropriate option when the implications are too high. Understanding how to avoid confrontation enables management to choose the best response at any given moment.
Difficult individuals react to criticism by being aggressive and obstructive which can have a destructive effect on the goals of the organization. Once a colleague becomes overtly aggressive it becomes a futile exercise to pursue further dialogue in these situations. It would be easier to simply “walk away” giving both parties the opportunity for angry feelings to subside and for you to consider approaching the problem objectively. This could be done successfully by making an appointment to meet with the affected party at the earliest possible date.
Working around a difficult person could be tempting but this could possibly reward this irrational behavior. Attempt not to enforce this precedent as this difficult person may not be regarded as part of the team. Not sharing the same responsibilities will naturally have adverse effects on the rest of the team.
Pretending not to notice misconduct may prove successful if that person wishes to remain part of the team. Withdrawing eye contact to indicate disapproval is enough to signal dissatisfaction. However, avoidance tactics may work once or twice in the short term but it is hardly a successful long term strategy.