How to deal with a manipulative colleague?
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The manipulative colleague is everywhere in the workplace. Dealing with a manipulative colleague is quite easy with intelligence and proactiveness combined.
Have you stumbled upon a manipulative co-worker who gets on your nerves daily? You may face a lot of situations where you could not complete your job duties just because of this person. Well, let your worries fly away as we are here to save you from this situation.
Annoying people are common, and you can find them anywhere you go. So, it is impossible to eradicate them and spread peace in the air. The only thing you can do is to learn how to deal with these difficult co-workers. It is crucial when you become part of a job, which not only lets you thrive at work but also walk towards your goal.
How to deal with a manipulative colleague
The workspace can be a cut-throat environment, with everyone trying to get ahead in some way. You will get to encounter with plenty of those downright malicious co-workers on your way. They will do anything to get a leg up on the race and win the spotlight, especially before the boss. If you are just not that into scheming your way to the top, grab a few tips that help you steer clear of the manipulators in the workspace so that you can thrive at work and continue climbing up the corporate ladder.
- Identify
The first move is to know how to identify the connivers amongst your colleagues, which can be a tricky task. Be careful not to assume that someone’s request for assistance is manipulation immediately. Take a step back and assess the situation.
- Are you contributing your efforts to a co-worker who badly needs your help?
- Or are you about to perform someone else’s task while they reap the profits of the final product?
Manipulative people are mostly very good at disguising themselves as your friend when they need something but could care less about you otherwise. Pay attention to how consistently this person is asking for help from you. Check how apt they are to acknowledge about you or your contributions in their success in a group meeting.
Another sign to point out a schemer is whether they are prone to gossiping or bad-mouthing about others in the office. In general, note those people who always have negative comments to say about other employees. They are probably not the person you want to surround yourself with, nor lend your assistance to.
- Just Say No
Once you are able to differentiate manipulation from simply asking for help, don’t be scared to say “no” to these cancers of the office. They are only out to advance their own careers, and not anyone else’s. If a manipulative employee asks any help from you, the best thing to do is explain that you are busy trying to meet the such-and-such deadline. You may lend some advice or suggestions to help that person complete the task. This way, you are not rude or abrasive when declining to help, and yet offering free advice in the end.
- It is Them, Not You.
Don’t take things personally. Understand that it’s them, not you. These “wolves in sheep’s attire” are taking out some personal issue or on you and it’s usually unwarranted. So, it’s important to maintain professionalism when dealing with such characters in the workplace. Sometimes biting your tongue is essential when you want to lash out. The best way to deal with the continuous wickedness of a manipulator is to address the issue with the person privately. If he continues his behaviour, then the next step is to consult your manager. Your last option is to escalate the matter to Human Resources and register your complaint.
The absolute worst thing you can do when you are being manipulated or taken advantage of in the workplace is to ignore the behaviour as it will only get worse. So, take action as soon as you are aware of the cunning behaviour before it ends up costing someone’s job – and that someone will probably be you.
So, be ready for the next time your corrupt co-worker starts his spiel about how much he needs your assistance. By getting our tips into action, divert his requests and let him down easy effectively.
