Handling a difficult coworker

Question

I have a coworker who we'll call Roy. Rou and I work for the same boss, but we are technically in different departments. Because we work for the same boss, I often get assigned to work with him. The challenge is that Roy thinks he's above doing certain projects or tasks. He will outright say he isn't going to do something or tell our boss that he 'better not start sh*t on Fridays' and that calling last minute meetings is 'ridiculous'. He is known for not helping or pushing work onto others when he feels a project isn't worth his time. Roy thinks very highly of himself, and to his credit, he has a long career of experience to back up his resume. We've both worked for our company for a little over a year now. My question is related specifically to an issue from today. Today we had a meeting with a potential vendor and asked him to give us a ballpark quote. While he was talking to the vendor, he started to badmouth our company. Should I discuss this with our boss, or leave it be? I don't want to go running to the boss and tattle like a school child, but I also don't appreciate the utter lack of respect for our company and the way he is presenting us.

Kim Warner · Answer

Start keeping a work diary-and don't leave it at work where someone else can find it! Take it home with you every night.

Although 'Roy' is technically not in your department, it is clear that you are considered a cross-functional team by your boss. As such, I'm sure your boss expects you to work together to achieve department and company goals. If your teammate is effectively sabotaging your projects, for whatever reason, then you need to make sure that you have documentation that demonstrates this. And if you have a good relationship with your boss then I would say something and have your documentation ready.  Because if and when something goes wrong, it is likely that 'Roy' will not take responsibility.

ShellyB · Answer

I am a candid girl, so take that with a grain of salt.  I would tell him first thing in the morning that you don't appreciate his comments in front of a client one bit-- and that if he cannot 'constrain himself'- you will never present with him again, and that you would 'have to' let your boss understand WHY.

Crystal Rhineberger · Answer

This is a matter of ethics any business has taught me NO NEGATIVES
The only thing we are allowed to say in sales is I’m a little disappointed over the changes as well... and that’s to keep the client’s feelings with yours.
Roy sounds a little unsatisfying to hang with much less work with. Is there a way you can bring this concern up with the overhead in a more positive note?
Such as Hey Roy can be really helpful but mayb there’s something he needs to talk about? He just seems disconnected with the company and their goal?

Sue DeRosier · Answer

My guess is that he has been allowed to act like this for the very reason you are concerned about going to the boss...folks don't want to 'tell' on a co-worker. However, his attitude is disruptive and disrespectful to everyone else who has to pick up his slack, and his comments about the company in front of a vendor are not acceptable.  I think it would be good if you can address it with him first and then if that doesn't affect him, then address it with the boss. Saying something like... 'Hey, I don't feel comfortable bringing this up but feel it's important. Talking negatively about the company in front of a vendor puts us at a disadvantage. One they can leverage in the future if they so choose.'

Maggie B · Answer

If it were me?  This sounds like a pattern, and I'd bring it up to my manager.  Soft play it a bit, with a 'hey I've noticed' or 'how should I approach,' and see how that goes.

Denise Cantu · Answer

What stands out to me is 'he has a long career of experience to back up his resume.' Moving around from job to job is not always a good thing. It sounds like he starts trouble because he thinks he is better than everyone else. I would not 'rat' him out, I would confront him (in a professional way) on his work ethics. He obviously feels he can share his thoughts whether they are negative or positive. Someone that TELLS their boss not to start sh** on Friday has very little respect for his superiors. I would not want to be associated with someone like that and I would let them know.  I would also let my boss know the same when he assigns you to work with Roy. Say you are a team player and of course will do your job to the best of your ability, but to please understand that you do not share the same outlook as Roy.  
I also agree with keeping a work diary. At the end of the day set some time to type up an email and send it to yourself and save it in a folder for future reference. That way it is time/date stamped. This is something you should do whenever there is an issue/conflict with another employee. 
Good Luck!

Handling a difficult coworker

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