Coworker treats me like a subordinate: Whenever you have a coworker that treats you like a subordinate, it can be very frustrating. However, there are ways to cope with the situation.
Dealing With the Situation When a Coworker Treats Me Like a Subordinate
Avoid giving coworkers space
Getting a coworker to do the right thing might be difficult, but if you want to get your point across, you need to have a strategy in place. This might include a formal meeting, a face-to-face confrontation, or a combination of both. If you need to confront your coworker about something, you might consider using a neutral third party. This will allow you to have an objective opinion about the situation.
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If you are trying to get your point across in a confrontation, a polite, but firm, tone is always the way to go. You should also have a list of specific examples to cite when you make your case. As long as you stick to the facts, your coworker should be in a better position to understand what you’re trying to say.
Avoid pointing fingers
Getting upset over the occasional rudeness of your coworker can be a very stressful situation. However, there are ways to deal with it. First, you can choose to not let it get to you. You can also try to remind yourself that the person you’re upset with isn’t your fault. This will help reduce your stress.
If you’re in a situation where you’re frequently being provoked by a coworker, it might be a good idea to speak up and ask for help. You can also consider if you should move to another department or job. If you feel that you are in a toxic work environment, you might want to look for a new job.
If you don’t want to make a scene, you can try to make your coworker understand that you’re not being rude. You might want to avoid name calling, crossing your arms, or trying to invade his or her personal space.
Keep eye contact
Keeping eye contact with a coworker can be tricky. Your coworker may be trying to get closer to you, or he or she may be keeping a secret. While you don’t want to invade their space, it’s important to know that maintaining eye contact with a coworker is not only a smart move, it’s considered good form by most people.
In addition to maintaining eye contact, it’s important to understand the importance of facial expressions. If a coworker is looking at you with a smile on his face, it’s probably not because he is having a bad day. Conversely, if a coworker is not looking at you with a smile, it may be because he or she is feeling a bit jealous. In this case, it’s best to stand up straight and maintain neutral body language.
Encourage thoughtful conversations
Having a thoughtful conversation is a great way to improve your office morale. When you make someone feel appreciated, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish. It’s also a good way to learn if you’re a good fit for the team.
When you’re trying to engage your coworkers, you’ll want to avoid the dreaded monologue. Instead, offer to have a talk later. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many people will be willing to listen. You can even start off with a few well-placed questions.
You’ll need to take a step back and consider the purpose of your interaction before you start blabbing away. This will prevent you from getting into a slapdown. This is especially true if you’re prone to verbal abuse. Having a thoughtful conversation with your coworkers is a great way to improve your morale and get out of a sticky situation.
Cope with a situation that’s quite different from what you imagined
Trying to cope with a situation that’s quite different from what you expected isn’t always easy. The first thing to do is make sure that you aren’t taking any of the behavior personally. It’s important to remember that people have different motives and agendas.
Some coworkers are trying to improve their own performance and they may be pointing out your flaws. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Some people thrive on negative feedback. Others just want to get a project moving forward. However, if you’re dealing with a coworker who is intentionally trying to make you look bad, you may need to talk to human resources.
If you’re trying to cope with a situation that’s slightly different from what you expected, it may be a good idea to get to know your coworker better. If you’re comfortable asking questions, you can show your coworkers that you’re a valuable resource. You can also show them that you have insight and experience to offer.
