How To Deal With A Control Freak Coworker In 8 Simple Ways

A control freak coworker can be frustrating, as they may try to micromanage you or take over your projects. Let’s learn more about how to deal with a control freak coworker.

A control freak feels the need to control everything around them.

8 Ways To Deal With A Control Freak Coworker

While it can be challenging to deal with this type of behavior, there are some strategies you can use to manage a control freak coworker.

1. Be Assertive:

If your coworker is being a control freak, it’s essential to be assertive.

You’ll need to set boundaries and let them know that their behavior is unacceptable.

You can do this by calmly explaining your point of view and what you need from them.

Start by saying:

“I understand that you want to help, but I need you to respect my autonomy. Please let me handle this.”

Or

“I appreciate your input, but I need to be able to work on this on my own.” If they continue to control you, you may need to be more forceful.

Say something like:

“I don’t appreciate being micromanaged. Please back off.”

2. Avoid Them:

You may want to avoid working with a control freak coworker if possible.

This can be not easy if they are your boss or if you work in close quarters.

However, if you can, try to distance yourself and only interact with them when necessary.

You don’t have to be friends with them, but you should try to be cordial.

This way, you can minimize their impact on your work and life.

Also, try to avoid socializing with them outside of work.

3. Do Your Own Thing:

A control freak coworker may try to tell you what to do or how to do your job.

It’s essential to stand up for yourself and do things your way.

Don’t be afraid to be creative and experiment. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help from others if you need it.

This step is essential. It will help you maintain your autonomy and not let your coworkers control you.

Moreover, it will show them that their behavior is not acceptable.

4. Stand Up For Others:

If you see a control freak coworker trying to control someone else, speak up.

This will show them that their behavior is not tolerated and that you’re not going to stand for it.

You can do this by calmly confronting them or speaking to their boss.

Not only yourself but others will appreciate it if you stand up to a control freak coworker.

5. Be Patient:

A control freak coworker can be frustrating, but it’s essential to be patient.

They may not be aware of their behavior or how it’s affecting you.

Try to have a conversation with them about their behavior and see if they’re willing to change. Moreover, don’t take their behavior personally.

They may be acting this way because of their issues, not because of anything you’ve done.

6. Find An Ally:

If you can’t avoid a control freak coworker, try to find someone who can be an ally.

This person can be a friend, coworker, or even your boss. Find someone who you can trust and confide in.

This way, you’ll have someone to vent to and help you deal with the control freak coworker.

And, if necessary, this person can help you take action against the control freak coworker.

7. Seek Help From HR:

If your control freak coworker is making your work life unbearable, it may be time to seek help from HR.

This is especially true if they’re your boss. HR can help you deal with the situation.

If necessary, they can take disciplinary action against the control freak coworker.

There are policies in place to protect you from this type of behavior.

So, don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.

8. Quit:

If nothing else works, you may need to quit your job.

This is the last resort. But it may be necessary if your control freak coworker makes your work life unbearable.

Before you quit, make sure you have another job lined up. 

You should also speak to HR and your boss to see if they can do anything to help you deal with the situation.

So here are some tips on dealing with a control freak coworker.

Why Does A Coworker Become A Control Freak?

To deal with a control freak coworker, it’s essential to understand why they’re acting this way.

There are a few reasons why someone might become a control freak at work:

1. Insecurity:

A control freak coworker may be acting this way because they’re insecure.

They may feel like they need to prove themselves or are not good enough.

As a result, they try to control everything around them.

2. Fear Of Failure:

Another reason someone might become a control freak is that they’re afraid of failure.

They may feel like they need to be in control to avoid making mistakes.

Moreover, they may also be fearful of others making mistakes.

3. Perfectionism:

A control freak coworker may also be a perfectionist.

They may feel like everything needs to be done a certain way, and there’s no room for error.

Moreover, they may also have difficulty delegating tasks. Thus, they try to do everything themselves.

4. Power:

A control freak coworker may be acting this way because they want power.

They may enjoy being in control and having others obey their commands. Thus, they try to control as much as possible.

Power is often a motivation for controlling freak behavior. And it can be especially prevalent in the workplace.

5. Poor Coping Mechanisms:

Poor coping mechanisms are another reason why someone might become a control freak.

For example:

They may try to control their environment to feel better if they’re dealing with stress.

Moreover, if they’re dealing with anxiety, they may try to control everything around them to feel less anxious.

6. Lack Of Trust:

People who are controlling freaks often lack trust.

They may not trust others to do things right, or they may not trust the world to be fair.

As a result, they feel like they need to be in control to protect themselves.

Moreover, they may also have difficulty trusting themselves. Thus, they try to control everything to avoid making mistakes.

7. Mental Illness:

In some cases, a control freak coworker may be acting this way because of a mental illness.

For example, they may have OCD or be a sociopath.

If this is the case, it’s essential to seek help from a professional.

They can help you deal with the situation, and, if necessary, they can provide you with medication.

8. Poor Communication Skills:

A control freak coworker may also have poor communication skills. They may not be able to express their needs or wants healthily. 

As a result, they try to control the situation by controlling others.

Moreover, they may also have difficulty listening to others. Thus, they try to control the conversation to avoid misunderstandings.

9. Narcissism:

Narcissism is another reason why someone might become a control freak. Narcissists need to feel unique and vital. 

As a result, they try to control their environment to feel good about themselves.

Also, they may try to control others to feed their monsters.

10. Fear Of Change:

A control freak coworker may also be afraid of change. They may feel comfortable with the way things are, and they don’t want anything to change.

As a result, they try to control their environment to avoid change.

But, change is inevitable. And trying to control everything to avoid change will only lead to frustration.

11. Fear Of Intimacy:

People who are controlling freaks often have a fear of intimacy. They may not want to get too close to others because they’re afraid of getting hurt.

As a result, they try to keep others at a distance by controlling them.

And they may also have difficulty being vulnerable. Thus, they try to control the situation to avoid getting hurt.

There you have it. These are some of the reasons why someone might become a control freak.

How Does A Control Freak Coworker Affect You?

A control freak coworker can harm you. Here’s how:

1. They Make You Feel Unimportant:

A control freak coworker may make you feel unimportant. They may not listen to you, or they may dismiss your ideas.

As a result, you may feel like your opinion doesn’t matter. And you may start to doubt yourself.

2. They Make You Feel Ashamed:

A control freak coworker may also make you feel ashamed.

They may try to control you in front of others, or they may criticize you in front of others.

As a result, you may feel like you’re not good enough. And you may start to doubt your abilities.

3. They Make You Feel Stressed:

Dealing with a control freak coworker can be stressful.

You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them. Or you may feel like you’re always doing something wrong.

As a result, you may start to feel overwhelmed and stressed out.

4. They Make You Feel Unsafe:

A feeling of safety is essential in a work environment.

A control freak coworker may try to control you in a physically or emotionally abusive way.

As a result, you may feel like you’re in danger. And, you may start to feel like you’re not safe at work.

5. They Make You Feel Exhausted: 

Dealing with a control freak coworker can be exhausting too.

You may feel like you’re always on edge around them, or you may feel like you’re always walking on eggshells.

As a result, you may feel exhausted both mentally and physically.

The adverse effects of a control freak coworker are apparent. If you’re dealing with a control freak coworker, it’s essential to take action.

Conclusion:

If you’re dealing with a control freak coworker, start communicating with them. Try to understand why they’re behaving the way they are.

Then, set boundaries with them. Let them know what you will and will not tolerate.

And, if necessary, take action to protect yourself from them. Remember, you don’t have to put up with their behavior.

You have the right to be treated with respect.

Last Updated on 1 month by Shahzaib Arshad