How to Confront a Co-worker

Disagreements happen in every aspect of life. It's simply human nature to disagree. When these disagreements happen at work, however, things can get tricky. Here we will show you the most appropriate way to confront a co-worker when you have a disagreement that needs to be resolved.

Instructions

1. Stop and decide if the disagreement is really worth your time and effort. Most of the time, people can stop at this step. If it is better to just forget the disagreement and move on, this is the best thing to do, especially at work. Things like politics or car spaces fall into this category.

2. Email your co-worker and apologize for anything you shouldn't have said during the conversation. Then clarify anything the co-worker said. Before you get upset, you must know the facts and what was meant by the comment. Many times you can stop at this step because the co-worker will apologize as well.

3. Wait until lunch and ask to talk to the co-worker in private. Tell him that what he said really offends you, but you don't want it to affect your job or his. Let him know you want to work to resolve the situation.

4. Stay clear of your co-worker if the previous step does not solve your problem. Avoid all unnecessary contact. Don't email unless it is required from your job. Don't sit with this person during lunch. Don't take smoke breaks with her. Don't do any socializing unless it is impossible to avoid.

5. Bring the problem to your supervisor. This is a step of last resort, because you want to handle your problems like an adult. You never want to make waves at work, and a co-worker disagreement is definitely making waves. However, if the disagreement is too much to handle after all of this, telling your supervisor is your only other option.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't discuss your disagreement with other co-workers. This will create even more bad blood.