Co workers

Tasha L. Simmons

May 18,2022 at 10:26PM UTC

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Co workers

Can you work with someone you don't trust?

I saw a video where the person stated you should continue work with someone that you don't trust. My opinion is if you don't trust them working with them would create an toxic environment

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AnonymousMay 18,2022 at 10:58PM UTC
I have to say the old adage of keep your friends close and your enemies closer has value. At least enemies are a know entity there is no doubt they are not trust worthy. I like knowing who and what I'm dealing with. It's those wolves in sheep's clothing that are the worst.
Tasha L. SimmonsMay 18,2022 at 11:04PM UTC
True, once people show their true colors you know how to interact with them.
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 1:08AM UTC
My friends, please stop with the reasons to find a workplace toxic. It's become a bad trend. Yes, there are many places that are toxic and so much worse than having a coworker who seems hard to trust, but the definition of toxic is so loose at this point, it's really taking away from those that are truly toxic environments that are impacting their mental health and worse. The world is full of people you have to learn to work with who are not built like you or ideal. It's not a bad thing to learn strategies for working with others. No workplace is perfect. If you are going to have a job and be in the workforce, there will be more than one situation where you have to work with people you don't like or don't trust. The objective is to get the work done and distinguish yourself in the process. Control the engagement with this person. Get things in writing so that your efforts and your intentions are clear so you cannot be misunderstood or your efforts misrepresented. Make sure your boss knows what you know. Then focus on what is happening on your own desk and your own monitor.
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 7:01PM UTC
This-my thoughts exactly! I sure don't trust everyone I work with-trust is earned, not given. I simply do not share everything with those team members that have not earned it. I've made an effort to learn to work with my team-I'm not going to change them, but I can sure set a great example and be the best I can be!
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 8:29PM UTC
Exactly! "Toxic" has, in some uses, become a euphemism for situations where someone expects everything and everyone to conform to their own wants, beliefs, and needs. It's just not accurate, healthy, fair, or realistic to expect that. Keep those who seem less trustworthy at a distance and handle the situations where you must interact with care and a good deal of CYA.
Heather CutlerMay 21,2022 at 12:41PM UTC
We’ll said!
Sherri JonesMay 19,2022 at 2:09AM UTC
Sorry I think trust is one of the most important things we need in our workplace and agree with you that it usually does create a toxic environment.
Tasha L. SimmonsMay 19,2022 at 2:24AM UTC
I like how you suggested using a scale to rate the person
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 11:45AM UTC
Of course. I am emotionally intelligent and can navigate around most situations with skill.
If you don't have social skills then yes I would say stick strictly with people you absolutely know and trust and never stray for fear of getting burned.
Laura WestMay 19,2022 at 1:25PM UTC
Ideally, you shouldn't have to -- but I know that's not realistic; I've been there! Nutshell version: if you do not trust a colleague, speak only about specific project issues -- nothing personal, nothing about anyone else in the company. Keep your guard up. It can be stressful, but I promise it's do-able until you can find a new opportunity where you feel more at ease.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 1:42AM UTC
Work can be stressful enough when your colleagues are honorable.
You are under no obligation to continue working with someone you don’t trust. Keep your distance as much as possible, while staying polite. Move on as soon as you can.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 1:51PM UTC
I think it just changes the way I work with them. I have someone in my office I don't trust but I have to work with them on a daily basis there are only 5 of us in my department. The key is I only share what is necessary to get the job done. I don't go to this person for advice or ask them questions I go to someone else because I know they will twist my words to make it sound like I said something else or pretend like they don't even know what I am talking about. Very much a "I'm gonna do what benefits myself only" person.
I don't love my job or location and definitely plan to move at some point but it isn't the worst job I have had so I plan to at least stay 2 years to boost my resume.