How to deal with a coworker on a power trip is a question many people find themselves asking. This type of coworker can be frustrating and challenging to deal with.
However, dealing with them is not that difficult if you know the proper methods. Below are some of the best ones:
8 Ways To Deal With A Coworker On A Power Trip
Now let’s get started with the tips to deal with a coworker on a power trip:
1. Don’t Get Involved In Their Games:
The first thing you need to do is avoid getting involved in their games.
If you start playing their game, you’re only giving them the satisfaction of knowing that they can control you.
They can make you angry, happy, or anything in between. So, the best thing you can do is stay away from them.
To identify if someone is playing games with you, ask yourself if they are:
– Making decisions that will impact you without consulting you first
– Constantly changing their mind or expectations
– Trying to make you look bad in front of others
– Gossiping about you behind your back
– Giving you the silent treatment
Once you identify, avoid getting involved in their games by:
– Not reacting to their provocations
– Keeping your cool
– Not engaging in gossip
– Being assertive when you need to make decisions, etc.
This way, you won’t give them the satisfaction of controlling you. Thus, they will likely begin to stop their games.
2. Keep Clear Boundaries:
The next thing you need to do is to set boundaries with this coworker.
This means that you need to be clear about what is and isn’t acceptable to you.
For example, they are constantly gossiping about you or getting you in trouble.
You must let them know that this behavior won’t be tolerated.
If you don’t set clear boundaries, the other person will likely continue their bad behavior. They’ll feel like they have free rein.
By setting clear boundaries, though, they will know what they can and can’t do.
It will be harder for them to take advantage of you or control you. Some more ways to set clear boundaries are by:
– Being assertive and vocal about your needs
– Sticking up for yourself when needed, etc.
3. Talk To Them In Private:
One of the best ways to deal with a coworker on a power trip is by talking to them in private.
Sometimes, to deal with a coworker on a power trip is by having a direct conversation.
In this situation, you mustn’t do this in front of others.
This will make it seem like they are always right. And that you’re simply trying to cover up your tracks or complain about them.
Instead, find a private place to talk. This could be in your office or at a nearby coffee shop.
Then, calmly explain how their behavior affects you and ask them to stop.
If they refuse, it may be time to take your concerns further. You might need to speak with HR or discuss the issue with your manager.
Whatever you do, you must remain calm and collected.
4. Stand Up For Yourself:
Another important thing you need to do is to stand up for yourself.
This coworker will likely try to push you around or take advantage of you. Don’t let them get away with it.
If they’re trying to make you look bad in front of others, don’t just stand there and take it. Defend yourself.Â
If they’re constantly changing their expectations or requirements, speak up. Let them know that this isn’t acceptable behavior.
You must assert yourself and stand up for what’s right. Otherwise, they’ll continue to take advantage of you.
5. Stay Away From Them As Much As You Can:
Try to stay away from them as much as you can. This coworker is toxic, and they’re likely just going to cause you more stress.
So, it’s best to stay away from them. If you can, avoid working with them altogether.
If you have to work with them, keep your interactions to a minimum.Â
The less contact you have with them, the better. However, you don’t have to ignore them completely.
Just don’t engage in any unnecessary conversations or interactions.
6. Try To Avoid Conflict:
Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid conflict with a coworker on a power trip.
But, you must try. If you can, avoid getting into arguments or fights with them.
This will escalate the situation and make things worse.
In some cases, it may be best to agree with them. Even if you disagree, it’s not worth getting into a fight over.
You can always discuss the issue later when you’re both calm.
7. Document Them:
If this coworker is giving you a hard time, it may be necessary to start documenting their behavior.
This way, you have a record of everything going on. This can be helpful if you need to take your concerns to HR or your manager.
Having this documentation can also help to keep you on track and focused.
It will remind you why it’s important not to let this coworker get to you.
8. Seek Help From Others:
If you’re struggling to deal with a coworker on a power trip, you must seek help from others.
This could include your manager, HR, or others you trust in the workplace.
Sometimes, it can be hard to deal with difficult coworkers independently.
So, don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.
In many cases, others will be happy to assist. They may even have some advice or tips to share with you.
In the end, remember that dealing with a coworker on a power trip is never easy. But by following these tips and working hard, you can manage them effectively.
Signs Of A Power Tripping Coworker
Let’s take a look at some common signs that they may be on a power trip:
1. Micro-Management:Â
Does your coworker constantly try to micromanage you? Are they continually telling you what to do and how to do it?
If so, they may be on a power trip. Such behavior is often a sign that they try to assert themselves and make you feel inferior.
Moreover, it can make it challenging to do your job correctly. If you’re constantly told what to do, it’s hard to be creative or think outside the box.
2. Excessively Criticizes You:
Another sign that your coworker may be on a power trip is if they excessively criticize you.
Do they always find ways to nitpick your work? Do they make comments that are designed to put you down?
If so, they may be trying to assert their dominance over you.
It’s essential that you stand up for yourself and not let them get away with this behavior.
3. Bullies:
It’s also possible that your coworker is bullying you to try and control you.
Suppose they’re constantly making mean or hurtful comments. Or if they are trying to embarrass you in front of others.
Perhaps if they are generally acting like a jerk, they may be trying to bully their way into power.
The important thing is not to let them get away with this behavior.
Whether you address it directly or report it to your manager, you should stand up for yourself and your rights in the workplace.
4. Disrespects Your Boundaries:Â
Another potential sign is if they disrespect your boundaries.
For example, do they constantly try to interrupt or dismiss your opinions?
Do they act as if you should always listen to them and do whatever they want?
If so, you must stand up for yourself. Don’t let them push you around.
5. Unreasonable Demands:Â
Another common sign of a power trip is if your coworker makes unreasonable demands.
Do they always want things their way? Do they expect you to do everything for them?
Such behavior is often a sign that they believe they are entitled to special treatment. Thus, it would help if you were willing to give it to them.
If so, it’s essential to set boundaries. Make it clear that you’re not going to put up with this behavior.
6. Takes Credit For Your Work:Â
One sign that your coworker is on a power trip is if they take credit for your work.
Do they always make sure that their name is on everything? Do they try to take credit for your ideas?
If so, it’s essential to speak up. Don’t let them steal your hard-earned credit.
They can try to take your ideas, but they can’t take away your accomplishments.
7. Belittles Your Contributions:Â
Do they make it seem like your ideas are stupid or unimportant? Do they always have to be the right one?
They may be trying to belittle your contributions to make themselves feel important.
You mustn’t let them get away with this behavior. Stand up for yourself and your ideas.
8. Isolation:Â
If your coworker is on a power trip, they may try to isolate you from the rest of the team.
Do they always leave you out of important meetings? Do they make sure that you’re not included in important decisions?
If so, it’s essential to speak up. Don’t let them isolate you from the team.
9. Only Wants To Be Friends With People In Higher Positions:Â
Do they only want to be friends with people in higher positions than they are?
Do they always try to suck up to the boss? Moreover, do they try to make themselves look good by associating with essential people?
If so, they may be on a power trip. They may be trying to make themselves seem more important by association.
10. Is Jealous Of Your Success:Â
Do they always seem jealous of your success? Do they try to undermine you or make you look bad when you do something well?
If so, they may be on a power trip. They may be trying to make themselves feel better by making you look worse.
It’s important to stand up for yourself and not let your coworker walk all over you.
Remember that you have as much right to succeed as they do. They don’t have the right to put you down.
Conclusion:
If your coworker is on a power trip, it can be challenging to deal with them.
However, you must stand up for yourself and your rights in the workplace.
By setting boundaries and speaking up for yourself, you can handle this situation. Ensure that you don’t let them get away with their bad behavior.
If you notice any signs of power tripping, it’s essential to take action. Don’t let them get away with their behavior.
Please stand up for yourself. Make sure that they know that you’re not going to tolerate their behavior.
Last Updated on 23 hours by Shahzaib Arshad
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