Should I speak to my boss?

[Anonymous]

I work on a team with two other people. I’ve noticed one with more seniority is doing my work before I even have a chance to because they are afraid I’ll make a mistake. I looked into everyone’s work and found that the other teammate makes WAY more mistakes than I do and rarely ever does their work. This guy has a lot of seniority and I am afraid he’s bashing me to my boss without knowing my other teammate is doing much worse than I am. Should I talk to my boss? What should I say? I want to be careful because the other person making a lot of mistakes is the son of a higher up.

[Oliverlogan263]

Here's what I would do sis:

I'd be careful about directly confronting your boss or teammates. Instead, focus on your own performance and documenting everything. Start keeping a private record of all the work you do, projects completed on time without errors. Note specific dates and details.

When your boss does reviews, be prepared to politely bring up your concerns. Stick to facts, not accusations. Say something like "I've noticed I don't get the chance to do as much hands-on work as I'd like. Is there a way I can take on more responsibility?"

If they ask why, stay diplomatic. "It seems some tasks are reassigned before I can start. I want to contribute fully and gain more experience."

Don't name names or criticize others. Shift focus back to your goals and skills. Offer solutions, not complaints.

If problems continue, politely ask for a mentor - someone neutral who can oversee your work load is distributed fairly.

Stay positive. Prove your value through actions, not words. They'll see your talent rises above petty politics. As long as you keep doing you, it'll work out!

[Anonymous]

I’d say you talk to the person w seniority first. Do you know for sure that’s the reason why? That he’s afraid you’re going to make mistakes. If not I’d talk to him. I work in a team as well but a lot of times I will do other things as well that others do. Not because I’m afraid they will make a mistake, just because I get things done thoroughly, efficiently, so then I will help w other stuff. But we have a good working relationship so my co-workers aren’t upset about it. No I don’t feel like I’m pulling their weight either, I just want us to get things done so we have more down time.

[Anonymous]

I think the real issue here is him micromanaging you, in which case you may want to try resolving it on your own before taking it to your boss. I say this because what you’re trying to establish is respect and boundaries. He needs to let you do your portion of the work, without hovering over you or taking over entirely. Who knows, this could be him on a power trip, trying to maintain his seniority and you just need to stand up for yourself, shut that down politely. I think it would make things awkward if your boss spoke with him on your behalf, even if there’s anonymity, who else would this guy think spoke to the boss between you and this other person who he’s known longer and is also the son of a higher up? I just think you’d be best served trying to resolve it on your own first.

[Mr_twoface]

Ventilate your concerns to the guy who has more seniority cause you are in a team and hence have to work together. If you go directly to your boss and he brings it to the guys attention (which sometimes bosses do without caring), then your work placement can become a living hell. If after repeating yourself twice and you see no results, then go to the boss.

I've been in similar situation and handled it by going to the boss directly. Biggest regret!