1. Don’t let them distract you
Don’t spend your day focusing on the fact that your co-worker is lazy. Try to tune him out.
2. Don’t get caught up in the issue of fairness
By pointing out that it’s not fair that your colleague is getting away with being lazy, we just make ourselves feel bad and the situation does not change
3. Don’t let it affect your attitude
If you waste your time and energy on being angry or annoyed with your lazy colleague, your work performance may start slipping and you may be less pleasant to be around.
4. Don’t tattle.
That might make you look like a apple polisher, so don’t do it. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t speak up. If the boss explicitly asks you to review your co-workers’ performance, you should be honest.
5. Don’t let their ways rub off on you
Don’t get sucked into their routine of two-hour lunch breaks and dozens of trips to the restroom or water cooler. If they start chatting with you, let them know you’re busy.
6. Don’t let their work become your responsibility
If you’re on the same team or share the same responsibilities, don’t pick up the work they aren’t doing. Remind them of tasks and deadlines, but don’t let babysitting your lazy colleagues consume too much of your valuable time.
7. Don’t let them affect your success
A lazy colleague can hinder your progress. If your boss notices work isn’t getting done, don’t let the blame fall on you. This is your opportunity to speak up, if you haven’t done so already.
8. Use the opportunity to become a leader
This may be your chance to really step up and prove you can deal with difficult situations.
9. Don’t gossip or complain to other colleagues.
It’s unprofessional. You could cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
10. Communicate with your co-worker
Sometimes it’s not that they’re lazy, it’s that they don’t have a good way of organizing their work or managing their time. Be clear about goals, deadlines and commitments. There’s always a chance that they’re preoccupied with a personal matter too.
11. Don’t say yes to projects that require your co-worker to work at full capacity
If your co-worker is chronically lazy and nothing or no one—not you, not your boss—has been able to make a difference, proactively work this into how you plan. When you’re given a project where you’ll have to depend on your lazy co-worker, factor their anticipated laziness into your schedule. Don’t agree to a time frame that assumes they’ll deliver.
What do you think???
