The Jerk at Work is Making Me Berserk

Have you ever felt like you did all the meaningful work on a project but the slightly dim opportunistic parasite sitting next to you was quick to latch onto it and present it to others as though they did the work themselves?  Here are steps you can take to not only ensure you get the credit you deserve but to expose this person for the bonehead they really are.

1. Have a plan – Don’t wait until you have reached the point of not being able to take it anymore.  At first sign of this type of behavior, start your planning.
2. My poker face – Stay cool and don’t let on that you are steaming from the seams.  Display of emotion gives the offender an opportunity to position themselves for any actions you would take.  “Everything is great, couldn’t be better” should be your mantra.
3. Create alliances – Befriend others in your department, especially supervisors.  Over lunch or coffee, find out how they feel about the department and if there are areas that need improvement?  Ask if there is anything you can do to help them?  Are they pleased with how you are currently performing and if not, what can you do to add more value?  At no point do you mention the offender or comment on that person even if someone else does.  Offer to help out in any way you can.  This should happen a few times over at least a 3-month period.
4. Grow a set and take action- The next time you are involved in a project where you make a breakthrough, don’t wait for the monkey to jump up and down pounding their hands on their chest.  Immediately walk into your boss’s office and ask for a couple of minutes to explain what you have come up with.  Ask for their thoughts on how it might have been done better (All bosses love a good yet tastefully done ass kissin’) and schedule a meeting to follow up on those improvements.
5. Don’t Take the Bait – Soon the offending simp will see that you are now starting to receive credit for your work and not like it.  They will kick and scream, start petty arguments, and talk to others behind your back because you are now a threat to their job.  Stay cool and ignore it but make sure to stay consistent in your meetings with the boss.  If the threatened individual gets a little too aggressive verbally or especially physically, don’t involve your boss if you can help it.  Instead, report the offenses to human resources immediately.  If you must report it to your boss, invite them out to lunch and humbly present your case.  You are likely to come out the winner.

Follow these steps and the odds are strong that the troublemaker will be gone within 3-6 months.  Stay in control and don’t take their bait when they try to rattle your cage.