How to Deal With an Untrustworthy Co-Worker
We like to think we can trust our colleagues, but at one point or another you may encounter a co-worker who is untrustworthy. He or she may blame you for incomplete work, may sabotage your assignments, or reveal to the office personal information given in trust. When you encounter a shady colleague, the following suggestions will help protect you.
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1 Document everything. If you and the co-worker are required to work together, document the assignments you are responsible for. Send an email or memo to your co-worker confirming your portion of the assignment. Keep a copy of the email or memo for your records.
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2 If you are concerned that your co-worker may accuse you of fabricating the email at a later date, copy yourself on the email. This way, your co-worker knows you have a time-stamped copy of the email.
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3 If your co-worker will have access to your work, maintain your own updated file copy. Update your file copy regularly as you edit and amend your work.
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4 Do not share personal information with co-workers. Keep your conversation professional and succinct.
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5 Lock your desk with a key and your computer files with a password. If you have sensitive information, such as a client list, make sure it is secure.