How do you handle a coworker who keeps trying to boss you around?

Question

How do you handle a coworker who keeps trying to boss you around?

Telekinetic-Potato · Accepted Answer

I just start fucking everything up as soon as they annoy me. The more they move their mouth, the more stuff that's about to get blamed on them. I will go through lengths so insane and you'll never realize it because what normal person would assume that inside my backpack I life in your office was a $2200 Sony wireless recorder setup that I forgot I left on recording you airing out everyone's dirty laundry in lossless 32 bit float 98khz just because I can. There was no reason to go higher than 48khz.

And you better believe I will make an incredibly subtle comment about how stupid I think they were not to think my backpack in their room was suspicious after I fuck with them.

Not that I've ever done anything like that...

Texaskid1 · Accepted Answer

Tell them to take it up with the boss. If the boss come over to you - you remind them that you have this that and the other on your plate and that Bob from accounting is been getting in your way asking you to do things that are not your job or that are unnecessary etc. Also, document what they say to you if it becomes pervasive.

bobalife · Accepted Answer

At my last company… I was nice about it for a while, but when I finally say something (professionally) to stay on my ground and split our tasks properly as they should bc they’re trying to power trip me.. they got really mad and tried to do everything they could to get me in trouble by complaining to my supervisor numerous times apparently. But my management knows me well and my good work ethics… I got promoted instead lol. Were they mad about it? Yes. They remain a big fan who dislike me. But at the end, they came around lol.

midnightmoon05 · Accepted Answer

Where is your boss?  need more details.

Taurus_Woman · Answer

I try to stay calm and professional, but I don’t let it slide. If a coworker keeps trying to boss me around, I first make sure I understand whether they actually have that authority or if they’re just being overbearing.

If it’s not their role, I politely but clearly push back, something like: “Thanks, but I’ll handle this my way,” or “Let’s check with the manager if this needs to change.” I don’t argue, but I also don’t accept instructions from someone who isn’t in charge of me.

If it continues, I address it more directly and involve a supervisor if needed. The goal is to keep things respectful and work-focused without letting one person take control of your responsibilities.

Staximus · Answer

If they aren’t your boss and have not been told by the boss to train you, then you have to talk to your boss about the situation and let them handle it, or tell the person they aren’t your boss, or both. Whatever you do, make sure you talk to the boss first.

slatyb · Answer

You ignore their instructions and tell them to go do their own work. Then you tell your supervisor.

AngryCarl3 · Answer

Do they understand English? Tell them to fuck off.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

I'd smile and return: "Good that we talked about it".  Then return to my initial task.

Anonymous · Answer

Tell him to act his wage. I've had to say that to a few years ago

NathanDavis · Answer

well... I would have to fire them

Shiprex · Answer

Face them and say, Nah, I ain't doing that

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Put Ex-Lax in their coffee.

How do you handle a coworker who keeps trying to boss you around?

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