About Untrustworthy Co-Workers

Working with untrustworthy colleagues is hard. Not only can it impact your performance at work, but also you as a person. Below are ways to deal with and some things to consider when it comes to dishonest or unreliable co-workers.

Causes I

In some cases, a colleague cannot be trusted because he is jealous of you or is insecure. He will try to sabotage you to elevate himself. There are some steps you can take to protect yourself from the actions of your untrustworthy co-workers. When passing on important information for your colleague to follow up or simply take into account, always send it in an email in addition to just telling him. Later on, you will have written proof that you have done what was required from your side. This method can be even more effective if you carbon-copy your boss in the email so that she is aware of what's going on.

Causes II

Other times, the colleague could be having personal problems - for example at home - and projecting her emotions on colleagues like you, making it difficult to trust or rely on her. Suggest that your company organize a staff retreat where colleagues can bond and get to know one another better while participating in trust-building activities. The difficult colleague will likely warm up to others and will start to develop a better relationship with them, putting personal issues aside.

Effects

If you are constantly worried about things your co-workers may be saying behind your back, then you are likely to be distracted and not fully able focus on your work. On a larger scale, the performance of the team or department as a whole is also likely to suffer if everyone is constantly suspecting sabotage. Confront the difficult colleague(s) if you feel it is appropriate and won't create further tension. Explain that because it is hard for you to trust him, working as a team is almost impossible. Ask her to make an extra effort to be responsible and to collaborate with you, as this will leave everyone better off in the end.

Prevention/Solution

If you are worried about your colleagues criticizing you or your performance to your boss or supervisor, make it a point to go see your boss once every week or so. Casually give him an overview of your work and progress. She may bring up and discuss things she has heard from other employees. This will give you a good opportunity to justify yourself and clear up any misunderstandings. Later on, you are less likely to be blamed for lack of initiative or passiveness.

Considerations

Quitting your job because you are fed up with dealing with untrustworthy colleagues should be your last option. Interpersonal problems can show up in almost any organization at one time or another and are difficult to escape. It is better that you invest some time and effort into resolving the problem as opposed to giving up.