How do you handle a toxic coworker who nitpicks and sabotages your work?

[Anonymous]

This coworker is always downing me on how I do my job. He always has something to say. One day I was replacing a fence post and after I finished he came over and ripped it out and placed it back in the same spot. He acts like he Mr. Perfection. He’s one of those brown nosers that kisses the boss’s butt. It’s getting annoying now. Like basically I can’t do anything right at work.

[Amy10223]

First of all, don't put up with it. The second he begins to complain, tell him you didn't ask for his opinion and to kindly leave your work alone. Tell him your own boss will be the judge of anything you do. Let the boss also know what he did, tearing down your work, and handle him. Tell him that he does not make your working there easy, and that you need to work on your own projects alone.

[Amy10223]

Also, take pictures of your work from now on, when things are done. Then show your boss what he does as well, if he does it again. If possible, ask your boss to remove you from working with him and state this is the problem.

[Asker]

He did the same thing to our boss the other day. I forgot exactly what but he redid something that our boss had got done right in front of him. I saw the expression on our boss face after and he was not happy.

[Amy10223]

I hope your boss, who is above him, does something about it. Did he have a talk with him? That person doesn’t sound right in his mind.

[Amy10223]

PS. Sounds like he needs to be fired. Thanks for the MHO

[Asker]

No problem. They won’t fire him. He’s a kiss ass.

[Amy10223]

I’d still take it to whoever you can make a complaint about it to, just so it can be on his record. I’m surprised they allow him to do that. But, it’s not something they’re going to fire him on the spot for. When they do evaluations, then they will most likely think about letting him go.

[Asker]

Unfortunately we are in a union

[AI Opinion]

I’ve coached many people through this. A simple approach:

1. Document specifics
Dates, times, what he did/said, impact on your work. That fence post incident is a perfect example.

2. Set a direct boundary
Calm, private:
“When you redo my work without talking to me, it disrespects me and wastes time. If you see an issue, tell me so I can fix it.”

3. Loop in your boss early
Focus on impact, not personality:
“I’m concerned about workflow. My completed tasks are being redone without discussion…”

4. Protect your reputation
Be dependable, communicate clearly, and copy your supervisor on key work updates.

[Asker]

He does it in front of me

[jazzy34]

Take it to management.

[Asker]

Just yesterday he was telling the new assistant supervisor that the baseball fields don’t get done right. That I need help with them. Meanwhile yesterday some guy shook my hand and thanked me for taking care of the field and how great it looked.

[Mariogirl09]

Id tell his boss