Dealing with an incompetent co-worker

Hey Rosie,

I am having a problem with a co-worker.  He is always taking credit for team projects; he kisses up to our boss and even tries to throw us under the bus. Meanwhile, he is late every day, disappears for “meetings”, is offensive when he is talking to us; sometimes he makes sexually suggestive comments and the list goes on and on. I don’t want him to lose his job, but I am getting tired of his overall behaviour and I think my boss is blinded and doesn’t know the real deal. Help me, please.

Unhappy

Dear Unhappy,

 I must say that your allegations regarding your colleague are very, very serious and hopefully your company has certain procedures in place for you to complain about inappropriate behaviours in the workplace.

This must be very frustrating seeing someone else getting away with lying, poor behaviour and work ethic, but you must address this immediately. You can go one of two ways: you can pull him aside (with another colleague) and explain to him diplomatically how you feel.  Now that may be dicey, because a lot can be misinterpreted. 

I would rather option 2, where you either go to Human Resources to have a meeting, or if you are in the union, have a representative be the mediator, or truly speak to your boss about your concerns.  Most companies frown upon this sort of thing and would rather nip these negative trends in the bud; so, I would say to you that you should take that leap of faith to make  these changes.

Please remember you shouldn’t be made to feel uncomfortable, unworthy or threatened at your place of work; nor should you do it to someone else. No matter what your choice is, please make sure you do something within your legal rights to make your feelings known.  Good luck!

Rosie

Send questions to Rosie at: heyrosie24@yahoo.com or PO Box 152, Kingstown,St Vincent & the Grenadines.