Dealing with a bossy coworker ...not only gets in the way of doing your job, but can also embarrass you in front of other employees. The more you ignore the problem, the worse it gets.

...even worse. So it’s important to set clear boundaries when dealing with people like this.

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Avoid arguments

If you get into an argument with a domineering coworker, be careful not to lose your temper. That would play into their hands and strengthen their position. For example, if they tell you to do something...

If someone asks you to do something outside your usual responsibilities, don’t get upset or make a scene. Instead, calmly tell them you’re working on a project right now, then get back to

your work. If they insist, repeat what you said and continue with what you were doing. If they scrutinize everything you do and try to catch you making mistakes,

smile and tell them, “I’ve been using this approach for ten years, and it’s always worked.”

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ضع حدودًا

If you let a colleague bully you the first time, you’ve signaled that they can harass and bother you. Even if you feel that stopping them would be rude, make

yourself set boundaries so you don’t develop a negative relationship and ongoing conflict. For example, if they try to tell you how to manage a task, say, “Thanks,

but I’ve got everything under control.” If they try to insert themselves into a conversation between you and one of your clients or colleagues, say, “Please don’t interrupt

“My private conversations—and if I need your input, I’ll ask you.”

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The manager is the one who gives orders

Some people go too far in trying to control their coworkers because no one calls them out for their rude behavior. Perhaps some people are too polite or shy, or perhaps

they’re afraid of how that bully might react. If a domineering coworker tries to rope you into doing a task, tell them that the manager assigned it to them and that you already have

enough work to finish. If they insist that you help, tell them to get permission from your supervisor, reminding them that the manager—not

employees—is the one who gives orders. Rather than letting them boss you around and bother you with things that have nothing to do with you, they should speak to the manager.

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في الاتحاد قوة

If you’re dealing with one or more domineering coworkers at work, encourage your colleagues to stand up for themselves and put a stop to the bullying. Remember, there’s strength in unity.

This could undermine the domineering colleague and embarrass them. But if the situation escalates, you may need to turn to your manager. Don’t approach them in tears or anger; instead, tell them that you

have become confused about your actual responsibilities at work and who has the authority to give you instructions, or explain the negative impact that some people’s behavior is having

on your work and on employee morale in general.