It’s amusing how we are expected to listen to our bosses and also that one coworker of ours. This coworker will act like a boss to you and also give instructions, both consciously and unconsciously. We are talking about the bossy coworker we all might have come across sometime in our careers. 

Sometimes, they don’t mean to be bossy but have a force pushing them to act like leaders. There’s nothing as bad as doing your job while your coworker is monitoring you instead of doing theirs. For many, it’s suffocating, and if you’re reading this, chances are you want to learn how to deal with a bossy coworker. We’ve got you covered. 

Here, in this article, we discuss 11 tips on how to deal with a bossy coworker in the workplace without causing a scene. 

How to Deal with a Bossy Coworker

Whether you are just noticing the signs of a bossy coworker or you have a coworker who is bossy upfront, you’ll need to think of ways to tackle the issue. We’ve compiled this article just for you. Here’s a rundown of some of the ways to deal with a bossy coworker: 

1. 1. Don’t get aggressive. 
   2. Call them out immediately.
   3. Talk about the matter. 
   4. Attack the issue, not the person.
   5. Understand their perspective. 
   6. Avoid taking it personally. 
   7. Talk to those in the same shoes.
   8. Set boundaries. 
   9. Show them how it’s done. 
   10. Learn to say no.
   11. Talk to a higher authority. 

OPTION 1: DON’T GET AGGRESSIVE.

When many people perceive the signs of a bossy coworker, they resolve to fight or create a huge scene. However, the workplace doesn’t permit this, and it could get really messed up for both parties. How about dealing with the matter in a different way? Instead of getting aggressive, try to stay calm when your coworker is at it again. 

For example, you can say: 

“Please excuse me; I need some time to myself and I can’t entertain this discussion right now.”

OPTION 2: CALL THEM OUT IMMEDIATELY.

Another tip on how to deal with a bossy coworker is to call out the situation immediately. Do not wait until they have pushed you around several times before you address the matter. It’s best to do so while the behavior is still fresh and has yet to be cultivated. 

For example, you can say: 

“Tony, I appreciate you trying to tell me how to go about my duties. But I don’t think this is the right way to go about helping me.”

OPTION 3: TALK ABOUT THE MATTER. 

You should try to talk to your bossy coworker privately. You can wait until after work to discuss the issue, or better yet, find a good time and go over the conversation when the room is comfortable. 

For example, you can decide to start the conversation at a restaurant you both enjoy eating at. This way, you can both feel free to discuss the matter at hand. 

OPTION 4: ATTACK THE ISSUE, NOT THE PERSON. 

One problem many people face when addressing workplace mishaps is that they focus so much on the person and leave little room to attack the problem. You should be concerned about the bossiness of your coworker, not them. So when discussing the matter, try to shift the focus from them to the issue at hand. 

For example, you can say: 

“You are a nice person, Tony. But recently, you are doing things that are making you seem less like a coworker and more like my boss. Could this be the case?”

OPTION 5: UNDERSTAND THEIR PERSPECTIVE. 

The signs of a bossy coworker could mean two things: either they are unaware of what they are doing or they are purposely doing it. Your conversation with them is the best time to see things from their perspective. Is this an unconscious behavior that might have stemmed from a previous experience? Understand why they are doing that and think of ways to handle the matter. 

OPTION 6: AVOID TAKING IT PERSONAL. 

Furthermore, you might want to believe that your coworker is certainly out to get you, but it’s actually untrue. Your other coworkers might be experiencing the same thing, so your focus should be on handling the matter before it gets worse. 

OPTION 7: TALK TO OTHERS IN THE SAME SHOES.

As we earlier stated above, you probably won’t be the only one being pushed around by your bossy coworker. Therefore, you should discuss the matter with those affected (not in a gossiping manner) and think of ways to address the issue together. 

OPTION 8: SET BOUNDARIES. 

Maybe you haven’t communicated your boundaries enough, or even at all. You should use this opportunity to set clear and healthy boundaries so your coworker can respect them. 

OPTION 9: SHOW THEM HOW IT’S DONE. 

Furthermore, your coworker might be displaying what they feel is normal. You can set a good example by doing the right thing. Be nice to them and give them the chance to learn from you. 

For example, you can say: 

“Hi Tony. If you have some free time, I would like both of us to work on this project together. I think we will be great at this as partners.” 

OPTION 10: LEARN TO SAY NO.

It’s not an issue of pride or arrogance, but learning to say no goes a long way toward maintaining your peace and productivity in the workplace. If your coworker is ordering you to do unreasonable things, then it’s fine to decline. 

OPTION 11: TALK TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY. 

The final tip is to report your coworker who is bossy to someone in a higher position. You should resort to this last step when they refuse to change after you have spoken to them countless times. You could speak to your employer, manager, or HR about the issue. They’ll address the problem the way they deem fit. 

Conclusion 

Having a bossy coworker around is a difficult situation for many employees. You can use the tips mentioned above to handle the issue amicably. 

The post Bossy Co-worker? 11 Ways To Deal With It appeared first on The HR Digest.

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