Introduction
Have you ever worked on a group project where someone didn’t do their part? Starting your career can be exciting, especially when you land a role you’ve dreamed about. However, dealing with coworkers who don’t pull their weight can be frustrating and make you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
While it’s not an ideal situation, there are ways to manage unreliable colleagues. By focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you can’t, you can avoid letting their behavior negatively affect your work. Here are five tips to help you navigate these challenges.
1. Keep Track of Your Work
It’s important to document what you’re doing, no matter where you work. Make it a habit to write down your tasks and responsibilities. This doesn’t need to be time-consuming or overly detailed—just clear enough to show what you’ve contributed.
If your workplace already has tools for managing tasks and projects, use them consistently. However, if things go off track, your records can help you explain to your manager what you’ve been working on. Keeping a written log also keeps you organized and focused on your goals.
2. Focus on Their Strengths
Instead of only noticing what your coworker isn’t doing, try to spot their strengths. Maybe they’re good at brainstorming ideas or completing tasks under pressure. Once you identify their strengths, encourage them to use these skills to benefit the team.
For example, if your coworker tends to work well at the last minute, you could say something like, “We have a busy time coming up, and I know you’re great at finishing tasks under pressure. Could you help with this part of the project?”
Sometimes, people’s strengths can shine in unexpected ways. For instance, a coworker who speaks bluntly might be helpful in situations where honest feedback is needed.
3. Don’t Gossip—Seek Support
It’s natural to feel upset when someone leaves you with most of the work. However, gossiping or venting about them can backfire, especially when you’re new to the workplace. This behavior can make you seem unprofessional or untrustworthy.
Instead, try to handle the situation calmly. Start by talking directly to the coworker and assume they want to do their best. If the problem continues over multiple projects, you may need to involve your manager.
When you talk to your manager, don’t just complain. Be prepared with clear examples of what’s happening and how it affects the team’s work. Focus on finding solutions rather than placing blame.
4. Learn from the Experience
Early in your career, every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Working with someone unreliable might feel discouraging, but it can teach you important lessons about teamwork and problem-solving.
For instance, if a coworker doesn’t tell you they’re behind on a task, you might learn how to set up better communication processes. Every experience—good or bad—can help you build skills for the future.
5. Look to the Past for Answers
Think back to times when you worked with difficult people, like group projects in school. What did you do to manage those situations? What worked well, and what didn’t?
Ask yourself:
- How did I solve similar problems in the past?
- Did I talk to the person directly, and what was the result?
Often, reflecting on past experiences can give you clues about how to handle current challenges. Remember, you won’t have to deal with this coworker forever, so don’t waste all your energy being frustrated.
Final Thoughts
Instead of focusing on your coworker’s flaws, shift your energy to what you can control. Work on tasks that excite you, lean on trusted colleagues for support, and stay professional. These strategies will help you navigate challenges and grow stronger in your career.
