Problems with a work colleague

stella25

Hi everyone. I'm not sure if this is the right forum for my problem but I would really appreciate any advice you can give.

I work as part of a team and while I get on well with most of the other people on the team, I'm having problems with one particular colleague. He seems to go out of his way to find fault with my work. I am willing to take on board constructive criticism but the manner in which he gives feedback is hectoring and disrespectful. Although he has worked in the office for a few years more than me, he is not the most senior person on the team. My work has also been reviewed by more senior members of the team and they do not criticise me to the same extent that he does.

The constant criticism is really starting to sap my confidence and make me doubt my ability in myself. And it is also affecting my working relationship with this colleague. While I will have a social chat with the other people on the team, myself and this colleague barely exchange more than a "hello".

I am happy in my job otherwise but I'm worried that if this continues, it will affect my career. Can anyone please advise me how to handle this situation?

Fentdog84

You mention the word ''team'' and how you are a team player. This guy is not a team player. He's bitter, resentful and probably jealous of you. Not to worry. If your actual bosses are happy with your work, you dont need his ''constructive'' criticism. let him know this. Gotta thread on a few toes sometimes in order to stand up for yourself. What he is doing really is a subtle form of bullying. If he continues to hassle you or attempt to make your life a misery, report him to your boss.

eternal

Hes obviously jealous of you .You cant expect to get on with everyone .Just ignore him .It deoesnt sound that bad ,compared to some situations I have seen .

jimmycrackcorm

Start recording the instances of what he is doing. Make it obvious to him that you are doing so as it can be classified as bullying him and if it does then continue you have the evidence necessary to pursue with HR.

LegacyUser

I agree with the other posters in general, but maybe try to talk to him first before you actually report him to anybody? I mean, he definitely sound like an unpleasant person to work with, but could it be a part of a horrible personality rather than a personal attack on you? Maybe he doesn't realize how much of an a**hole he is being, so you could just diplomatically let him know that you don't need his input as your supervisors are quite happy with your work.

Deepwell

The guy seems like a prat so you probably won't get any satisfaction talking with him. Have a chat with a more senior member of the team and see if they can provide an explanation or maybe talk to him on you behalf. Alternatively,talk with your supervisor/manager - if the criticism is unfair and affecting your performance then they are going to have to get involved at some stage. Better to it early rather than when things get a lot more tense and maybe become an 'official' complaint.

mikemac

"Who died and made you team leader?"

Well no, that's going a bit far but it's easy to snap and I've heard that line many times in various jobs.
But he's your teammate not your boss.

So I wouldn't bother engaging with him
If he has an issue with your work, suggest the two of you go to your boss and get feedback on this work.
He'll back off

And he's probably a bitter person, maybe you're making more progress in your career and he's been there so many years and getting nowhere fast