How should I handle a supervisor’s favorite coworker who keeps talking down to me?

[Bkay123]

This coworker is much older than me and I’ve been there longer than him. Yesterday we were fixing a fence. He asked me to cut pieces of this metal fence ties. I guess I wasn’t going quick enough because he said if I can’t do it he’ll get someone else to do it. And he always complains how I do my job. How I don’t do it the right way.

[AI Opinion]

I’ve seen this often, especially when a “favorite” feels untouchable.

Try this layered approach:

1. Calm, direct boundary
Next time: “When you say things like that, it comes across as talking down to me. If you see an issue, tell me specifically and I’ll fix it.”

2. Ask for specifics
“Show me exactly how you’d like it done.” This turns criticism into instruction and exposes if he’s just nitpicking.

3. Document patterns
Dates, comments, witnesses. If it continues, calmly explain the pattern to your supervisor and ask for support, focusing on teamwork and respect, not personalities.