Handle A Condescending Coworker In 10 Ways

There’s nothing quite as infuriating as a condescending coworker. We will share ways to handle a condescending coworker.

A condescending person seems to think they’re better than everyone else. They love letting everyone know it.

They can be condescending in their words, actions, or even their attitude.

10 Ways To Handle A Condescending Coworker

If you have to deal with a condescending coworker, here are a few ways to handle them:

1. Ignore Them:

The best way to deal with a condescending coworker is to ignore them. Don’t give them the attention they crave, and they may go away.

What a condescending coworker wants more than anything is for you to react.

If you don’t give them the reaction they want, they may give up and leave you alone. They will only become more insufferable if you do not ignore them over time.

2. Handle A Condescending Coworker By Confronting Them:

If you can’t stand the thought of ignoring your coworker, you can confront them about their behavior.

This can be risky, as they may react negatively, but it may also get them to stop their behavior.

When you confront your coworker, make sure to stay calm and be respectful.

Let them know that their behavior is bothering you and ask them to stop.

If they refuse to stop, you may want to consider reporting their behavior to your boss.

3. Talk To Them:

When confronting them, you are more likely to talk to them. Address their condescension head-on and let them know that you don’t appreciate it.

This is the most effective way to get your condescending coworker to stop their behavior.

Make sure that you talk to them politely and respectfully.

If they see that you’re willing to have a conversation with them, they may be more likely to change their behavior.

4. Handle A Condescending Coworker By Finding Common Ground:

If you can’t seem to get your coworker to change their behavior, try finding common ground with them.

Talk to them about things you have in common or find out what they’re interested in.

If you can find common ground with your coworker, they may be less likely to act superior around you.

This can help build a better relationship with them. Moreover, this make them less likely to be condescending.

5. Walk Away If You Can’t Handle A Condescending Coworker :

If all else fails, you can always walk away from your condescending coworker. If they’re too insufferable, walk away and don’t talk to them.

When your condescending coworker is bothering you, walking away may be the best option.

Just make sure that you don’t react to them only to egg them on.

6. Talk To Your Boss:

If your coworker’s behavior becomes a problem, you can talk to your boss about it.

Let them know what’s going on and ask them to help you deal with the situation.

If your boss knows about the behavior of your coworker, they may be more likely to address it.

This can help keep the situation from getting worse. They can make your working environment more pleasant.

Your boss may also have some ideas on how to deal with your condescending coworker.

7. Set Boundaries To Handle A Condescending Coworker:

You can also set boundaries with your condescending coworker. Let them know what you will and will not tolerate and stick to those boundaries.

If you set boundaries with your condescending coworker, they may be less likely to cross them.

This can help to make your working relationship more tolerable.

By setting boundaries, you are taking control of the situation. You are letting your coworker know that you won’t put up with their behavior.

8. Distance Yourself If You Can’t Handle A Condescending Coworker :

If all else fails, you can always distance yourself from your condescending coworker.

Spend less time with them and don’t talk to them as often. If you distance yourself from your condescending coworker, they may get the hint.

If you can’t seem to get your condescending coworker to change their behavior, you may have to distance yourself.

There are several different ways that you can deal with a condescending coworker.

The best way to deal with them will depend on your personality and the situation.

9. Talk To A Friend On How To Handle A Condescending Coworker :

If you’re struggling to deal with your condescending coworker, you can talk to a friend about it.

They may have some ideas on how to deal with the situation. Talking to a friend about your condescending coworker can help to make you feel better.

It can also give you some fresh ideas on dealing with the situation.

They can further help to support you through this difficult time. Their support can be a great help.

10. Take A Break:

If the behavior of your condescending coworker is getting to you, take a break. Go for a walk or take a few minutes to yourself.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your condescending coworker, taking a break can help.

It can give you time to calm down and develop a plan to deal with the situation. When you’re ready, you can talk to your coworker about their behavior.

10 Signs Of A Condescending Coworker

A few signs can indicate that you have a condescending coworker. If you experience any of these signs, it may be time to address the situation.

1. They Talk Down To You:

If your coworker talks down to you, they’re likely being condescending.

If they’re belittling you or making you feel inferior, they’re being condescending.

They’re making it clear that they think they’re superior to you by talking down to you.

This can be very frustrating and demoralizing. Moreover, it can make it difficult to work with them.

2. A Condescending Coworker Patronizes You:

If your coworker is always patronizing you, they’re likely being condescending. They speak to you like you’re a child.

By patronizing you, they think you’re not capable of handling things independently.

It is a great source of stress for many. Moreover, it can make you feel like you’re not good enough.

3. They Act Superior:

If your coworker always acts superior, they’re likely being condescending. They’re always putting themselves above you.

By acting superior, they’re making it clear that they think they’re better than you.

This behavior can be very irritating, making it difficult to work with them.

4. A Condescending Coworker Ignores You:

If your coworker ignores you, they’re likely being condescending.

If they’re always avoiding eye contact or refusing to talk to you, these are the signs.

By ignoring you, they’re making it clear that they don’t think you’re worth their time. It can make you feel unimportant and marginalized.

5. They Interrupt You:

If your coworker interrupts you, they’re likely being condescending. If they’re cutting you off or talking over you, they’re being condescending.

By interrupting you, they think their opinion is more important than yours.

Such behavior causes friction in the workplace. Likewise, it can be very frustrating.

6. They Roll Their Eyes:

If your coworker is always rolling their eyes at you, they’re being condescending.

These are not good signs if they’re making faces or acting like they can’t stand you.

By rolling their eyes, they’re making it clear that they think you’re stupid or annoying. This type of behavior can be very disrespectful.

7. They Use Terms You Don’t Understand:

If your coworker uses terms you don’t understand, they’re likely being condescending.

They are talking over your head or using language that’s too complex.

By using terms you don’t understand, they think you’re not smart enough to follow them. This can be very frustrating, making it difficult to work with them.

8. A Condescending Coworker Acts Like They Know Everything:

If your coworker is always acting like they know everything, they’re likely condescending.

They’re always correcting you or telling you what you’re doing wrong.

By acting like they know everything, they think they’re smarter than you. It is a great deal of de-motivation for coworkers.

9. They Yell:

If your coworker is always yelling at you, they’re likely condescending.

These are warning signs if they’re raising their voice or speaking to you in an angry tone.

By yelling at you, they’re making it clear that they think they’re superior and that they can treat you but they want.

You deserve respect. If your coworker can’t do that, it might be time to find a new job.

10. A Condescending Coworker Is  Mean:

If your coworker is always mean to you, they’re likely condescending. Such coworkers insult you or make fun of you.

They try to put you down at every opportunity. Signs of being mean include:

– Being rude

– Insulting you

– Making fun of you

– Acting entitled

If your coworker is exhibiting any of these behaviors, they’re likely condescending.

It’s important to stand up for yourself and let them know that their behavior is unacceptable.

If they continue to treat you poorly, it might be time to find a new job.

10 Reasons Of Being A Condescending Coworker

There can be several reasons why a coworker might be condescending:

1. They’re Jealous:

If your coworker is always condescending, they might be jealous of you.

They might feel threatened by your success, or they might resent your achievements.

In jealousy, some people will try to put others down to make themselves feel better. If this is the case, it might be time to talk to your coworker and set some boundaries.

2. They’re Arrogant:

Some coworkers are arrogant by nature. They think they’re smarter than everyone else.

They refuse to listen to anyone else’s opinion. If your coworker is arrogant, there’s not much you can do to change their behavior.

The least you can do is try to avoid them as much as possible.

3. They’re Uncomfortable:

Some coworkers are condescending because they’re uncomfortable.

Maybe they’re new to the job, or they’re not used to working with people. If your coworker is uncomfortable, try to be understanding.

Help them out where you can and give them some space. They’ll loosen up and start to act more normal.

4. They’re Struggling:

Some coworkers are condescending because they’re struggling.

They might feel like they’re not good enough, or they might be insecure about their abilities. If your coworker is struggling, try to be supportive.

Let them know that you appreciate their efforts and offer help whenever you can. With time and support, they’ll become more confident.

5. They’re Manipulative:

Some coworkers are condescending because they’re manipulative. They might enjoy making others feel inferior.

They might enjoy having control over others. If your coworker is manipulative, confront them.

Don’t let them take advantage of you, and don’t let them walk all over you. Stand up for yourself and set boundaries.

6. They’re Insecure:

Some coworkers are condescending because they’re insecure. They might feel like they’re not good enough, or they might not be confident in their abilities.

Insecurity can lead to a coworker trying to put others down to feel better about themselves.

If this is the case, try to be supportive and understanding.

7. They’re Overworked:

They might be struggling to keep up with their workload, or they might be feeling overwhelmed.

If your coworker is overworked, try to be understanding.

Help them out where you can and give them some space. With time and patience, they’ll recover.

8. They’re Unhappy:

Some coworkers are condescending because they’re unhappy. They might not be in the right role, or they might not like their job.

If your coworker is unhappy, try to be understanding. Listen to their complaints and offer help where you can.

If they’re still unhappy after fixing the problem, it might be time to find a new job.

9. They’re Lonely & Bored:

Some coworkers are condescending because they’re lonely and bored.

They might not have many friends at work, or they might be stuck in a dead-end job.

If your coworker is lonely and bored, try to be friendly and chat with them whenever you can.

Help them out where you can and offer them some distractions. With time and patience, they’ll become more social.

10. They’re Evil:

Some coworkers are condescending because they’re evil. They want to hurt others and make them feel low.

Evil coworkers can hurt anyone upto any means. They do not care for their emotions.

If your coworker is evil, it’s important to be aware of their behavior.

If you don’t want to be around them, avoid them. Moreover, if their behavior impacts your work, talk to your boss.

There are many reasons why a coworker might be condescending. It might be due to their personality, work situation, or something else.

No matter the reason, there are ways to handle a condescending coworker.

Conclusion:

No one deserves to be treated poorly by their coworkers. If you’re having trouble with a condescending coworker, start by talking to them.

Let them know that their behavior makes you uncomfortable.

Once you confront them, see if they’re willing to change. If they’re not, it might be time to find a new job.