How To Deal With An Entitled Coworker – 10 Smart Ways

An entitled coworker is the one who always thinks they are better than everyone else. They act like they are the boss. So how to deal with an entitled coworker?

You can stoop down to their level and outsmart them. But you can make things harder by trying to reason with them or getting emotional.

10 Ways To Deal With An Entitled Coworker

The key is to stay calm and confident. So while it might be difficult, try not to let them get to you. Here are some tips on how to deal with an entitled coworker.

1. Don’t Take It Personally:

First and foremost, don’t take it personally when an entitled coworker tries to put you down.

They are just trying to make themselves feel better by making you feel inferior.

Remember that their opinion of you says more about them than it does about you.

Don’t take it personally when an entitled coworker tries to put you down. Instead, use it to show them how wrong they are.

For instance, let’s say your entitled coworker tries to tell you that you’re not good enough to do a specific task.

Instead of getting defensive, use it as an opportunity to prove them wrong by doing an exemplary job.

Or your entitled coworker might try to make you feel guilty for taking a break. Please don’t fall for it! Everyone needs a break; you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking one.

2. Rise Above The Negativity:

It can be hard to do, but try to rise above the negativity. This means not stooping down to their level and engaging in petty arguments or gossip.

Instead, focus on being the bigger person and maintaining your composure.

This can be difficult, but getting caught up in the drama will only worsen things.

For example, your entitled coworker is trying to stir up drama by gossiping about another coworker.

Instead of getting involved, walk away and don’t engage.

Or your entitled coworker might try to get under your skin by making snide comments.

Again, the best thing you can do is to rise above it and not let their negativity affect you.

3. Be Assertive:

One of the best ways to deal with an entitled coworker is to be assertive. This means standing up for yourself and not letting them walk all over you.

It’s essential to be firm but respectful. For instance, your entitled coworker is trying to take credit for your work.

Instead of getting angry, calmly confront them. Let them know that you deserve credit for the work you did.

Or your entitled coworker might try to tell you what to do. In this case, you can assert yourself by saying something like:

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.” This will let them know that you will not be pushed around.

Or your entitled coworker might be making unreasonable demands.

In this case, you can assert yourself by saying, “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.”

These are just a few examples of how to be assertive. It’s essential to find what works for you and stick with it.

4. Set Boundaries:

It’s important to set boundaries with an entitled coworker. This means knowing what you will and won’t tolerate.

For instance, you might not tolerate them taking credit for your work. You can confront them when they do this and tell them it’s not okay.

Or you might not tolerate them telling you what to do. It’s essential to know your limits and stick to them.

It’s also important to communicate your boundaries. For instance, you can say something like:

“I’m sorry, but I don’t appreciate you taking credit for my work. Please don’t do it again.”

Or “I’m sorry, but I don’t appreciate you telling me what to do. I’ll let you know if I need help.”

5. Ignore Them:

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply ignore an entitled coworker. This means not giving them the attention they crave.

For instance, if they’re trying to start a fight, walk away and don’t engage.

Or, if they’re trying to stir up drama, ignore them and don’t get involved. This cannot be easy, but it’s often the best thing you can do.

Your entitled coworker might not be happy when you ignore them, but sticking to your decision is essential.

Your mental health is more important than your feelings.

6. Be Confident:

It’s essential to be confident when dealing with an entitled coworker. This means knowing your worth and not letting them bring you down.

You’re a valuable member of the team. And you have just as much right to be there as they do.

Don’t let them make you feel inferior or like you’re not good enough. And don’t let them take advantage of you. Remember, you’re just as valuable as they are.

Some tips to help you boost your confidence include:

– Finding a mentor or role model at work

– Doing your research and knowing your stuff

– Speaking up for yourself

– Standing up for your beliefs

– Not taking their crap

7. Be Professional:

It’s essential to be professional when dealing with an entitled coworker.

It can be difficult to remain professional when your entitled coworker is being unprofessional. But it’s important to do your best.

Some tips to help you stay professional include:

– Keeping your cool

– Not engaging in gossip

– Not taking sides

– Avoiding drama

– Maintaining a positive attitude

8. Be Respectful:

Respect is a two-way street. And it’s essential to be respectful to an entitled coworker.

This doesn’t mean that you have to be friends with them. But it does mean that you should treat them with respect.

Some tips to help you be respectful include:

– Avoiding name-calling

– Not talking about them behind their back

– Giving them the benefit of the doubt

– Not making assumptions about them

– Listening to them

– Treating them how you want to be treated

9. Be Positive:

Positivity is contagious. It can be challenging to be positive when your entitled coworker is being negative.

Some tips to help you stay positive include:

– Focusing on the positive

– Avoiding negative people

– Finding things to be grateful for

– Practicing self-care

– Surrounding yourself with positive people

10. Talk To Manager:

Talk to your manager if your entitled coworker is really under your skin. This is the last resort, but it might be necessary.

Your manager can talk to your coworker and set some boundaries. For instance, they may call them into the office. And they will tell them to stop taking credit for their work.

Or they may talk to them about their behavior. And they may let them know that it’s not acceptable. This is the last resort, but it’s often necessary.

So here are ten tips for dealing with an entitled coworker. If you’re dealing with an entitled coworker, try these tips and see how they work.

5 Signs Of An Entitled Coworker

You might not realize it, but you probably know someone entitled. Here are some signs to help you identify an entitled coworker:

1. They’re Always Right:

An entitled coworker will always think they’re right. They might not be, but they’ll never admit it. They’ll always have to be correct, even if arguing with you.

For instance, they might insist that their way of doing things is the only way.

Or they might try to tell you what to do all the time. And when you try to explain your side, they’ll never listen.

They’ll always think they know better than you. And they’ll never back down.

2. They’re Self-Centered:

An entitled coworker is all about themselves. They’ll always be talking about themselves. And they’ll always want the spotlight on them.

For instance, they might take credit for your work. Or they might try to steal the credit. And they’ll always be trying to one-up you.

They’ll always be the center of attention. And they might not even realize it.

And when they’re not the center of attention, they’ll get angry.

3. They’re Demanding:

An entitled coworker will always be demanding. They’ll always want things their way. And they’ll never be satisfied.

For instance, they might demand that you do things their way. Or they might demand that you change your plans to accommodate them.

And they’ll never be happy with what you do. They’ll always want more.

4. They’re Manipulative:

Manipulation is a favorite tool of the entitled. They’ll use manipulation to get what they want.

For instance, they might try to make you feel guilty. Or they might try to take advantage of you. And they’ll always be trying to get their way.

For instance, they might say, “If you were a good coworker, you would do this for me.”

They might also try to make you feel guilty by saying, “I did this for you, so you owe me.”

5. They’re Entitled:

This one is pretty self-explanatory. An entitled coworker will always feel entitled. They’ll always think they deserve the best. And they’ll get satisfied with anything less.

For instance, they might always want the best office. Or the best parking spot. Or the best raises. And they’ll never be happy with what they have.

They’ll always want more. And they’ll never get satisfied.

Effects Of Entitled Behavior On You

Entitled behavior can harm you. Not only can it make you feel bad, but it can also affect your work.

Here are some of the ways that entitled behavior can affect you:

1. It Can Make You Feel Bad:

Entitled behavior can make you feel bad about yourself. It can make you feel like you’re not good enough.

And it can make you feel like you’re not deserving of good things.

For instance, if an entitled coworker takes credit for your work. You might feel like you’re not good enough.

Or if they’re always demanding things from you, you might feel like you’re not worth their time.

2. It Can Affect Your Work:

Entitled behavior can also affect your work. It can be hard to focus on your work if you’re constantly dealing with an entitled coworker.

And if you’re always accommodating their demands, it can be hard to get your work done.

You might feel like you have to put your work on hold to deal with their demands.

And you won’t have time to do your best work.

3. It Can Affect Your Relationship With Them:

Entitled behavior can also affect your relationship with the entitled coworker.

If you’re constantly accommodating their demands, you might start to resent them.

And if they’re always taking credit for your work, you might feel like they’re taking advantage of you.

4. It Can Affect Your Mental Health:

They can also affect your mental health. It can be hard to relax if you’re constantly dealing with an entitled coworker.

And it can be hard to enjoy your work. You might start to feel anxious or stressed. And you might even start to feel depressed.

It will eventually lead to you having a hard time sleeping. And you’ll wake up feeling exhausted.

You might get to burn out and feel like you can’t take it anymore.

Final Word:

Dealing with an entitled coworker can be difficult. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

And it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one who’s affected by their behavior.

If you’re struggling to deal with an entitled coworker, you can do a few things.

You can talk to your boss or HR. You can try to set boundaries. And you can try to stay calm and focused on your work.

Dealing with an entitled coworker is never easy. But by taking some small steps, you can make it easier.

Last Updated on 3 hours by Shahzaib Arshad