How should I handle my co-worker (he’s 15 years older than me) who often subtly belittles me and push his work to me?
Last Updated: 21.06.2025 22:19
As long as you keep your manager involved and in the loop, there isn’t an issue with another person in your group asking for your help. It will benefit you by allowing you to gain more experience and learn new skills. It will help you build a good working relationship with others, which will help you find advancement opportunities.
When he “pushes his work” on you, say, “Certainly. We need to check with the manager first. If the manager thinks your tasks are a higher priority than what I am working on, the manager will reassign it to me and delay the tasks I’m working on.”
If you aren’t working on anything when the senior-level coworker gives you an assignment, say, “Certainly. I am at a spot where I can help you with that. Let me first check with the manager to make sure he doesn’t have something else he wants me to work on.”
Why didn't my ex fight for our relationship? He gave up so easily.
People do business with people they know, like, and trust. People hire people they know, like, and trust. People promote people they know, like, and trust. Therefore, you must master your people, interpersonal, communication, relationship-building, and business networking skills. Use this opportunity to practice all those advanced business and social skills.
One suggestion is to NOT handle a senior-level coworker. Keep it simple. Focus on your own high-level performance. Stay professional, polite, courteous, and conscientious at all times. Other people are watching how you handle yourself in difficult situations. Therefore, always be the person that you want others to see.
Don't just see the senior-level coworker as a task assigner but as a valuable resource for mentoring and advice. With 15 years more experience than you, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. Take advantage of this by observing, learning, and interviewing them. This will not only help you avoid making the same mistakes they did but also inspire and motivate you to grow in your career. Ask them to introduce you to other senior staff, expanding your business network with people at the next level.