You’re having trouble with a coworker. How can you address the situation with your boss?

1 Identify the problem

Before you approach your boss, you need to have a clear idea of what the problem is and how it impacts your work. Is your coworker rude, uncooperative, incompetent, or dishonest? How does their behavior affect your deadlines, deliverables, or client satisfaction? How does it make you feel and how does it affect your motivation or performance? Try to be specific and factual, and avoid making assumptions or generalizations. Write down some examples of the incidents or issues that you have experienced or witnessed with your coworker.

2 Try to resolve it yourself

Before you escalate the issue to your boss, you should try to resolve it yourself with your coworker. This shows that you are proactive, mature, and willing to work things out. You can approach your coworker in a calm and respectful manner and explain how their actions or words affect you and your work. You can also ask them for their perspective and listen to their side of the story. You can then try to find a common ground, a compromise, or a solution that works for both of you. If you do this, make sure to document the conversation and the outcome, and follow up on any agreements or actions.

3 Choose the right time and place

If you are unable to resolve the issue with your coworker, or if the problem persists or worsens, you might need to talk to your boss about it. However, you should not do this impulsively or emotionally. You should choose the right time and place to have this conversation with your boss. Ideally, you should schedule a meeting with your boss in advance and let them know the topic and the purpose of the meeting. You should also choose a private and quiet place where you can talk without interruptions or distractions. You should avoid bringing up the issue in front of other coworkers, clients, or stakeholders.

4 Be respectful and professional

When you talk to your boss about the problem with your coworker, you should be respectful and professional. You should not badmouth, blame, or criticize your coworker. You should not exaggerate, lie, or dramatize the situation. You should not make personal attacks or judgments on your coworker's character or motives. Instead, you should focus on the facts, the impact, and the solutions. You should present your boss with the examples of the problem that you have written down, and explain how they affect your work and the project. You should also express how you feel and how you have tried to resolve the issue yourself. You should then ask your boss for their advice, feedback, or support, and listen to what they have to say.

5 Follow up and follow through

After you talk to your boss about the problem with your coworker, you should follow up and follow through on the conversation. You should thank your boss for their time and attention, and summarize the main points and action steps that you have discussed. You should also keep your boss updated on the progress or changes that you or your coworker make, and let them know if the situation improves or deteriorates. You should also follow through on any commitments or expectations that your boss or your coworker have set for you, and demonstrate your professionalism and cooperation. If the problem is not resolved or if it escalates further, you might need to talk to your boss again or involve other parties, such as human resources or senior management.