Co-workers who blame others are toxic, and can lead to decreased morale and poor performance. They can also make you want to stay in bed with the covers over your head. Employees who are hostile to other co-workers often display the same behavior towards customers and vendors. This tarnishes the reputation of the toxic employee, staff as a whole and the company. Dealing with a person who blames others in the workplace may be as simple as taking the high road by shifting your mindset,, or as difficult as seeking employment elsewhere, otherwise known as "Take this job and shove it."
Deal with the Blaming Co-worker
Always remain calm and keep your emotions under control.
Do not speak to human resources or your boss without approaching your coworker first.
Step 1
Evaluate the situation. Take a good look in the mirror and make sure that you are not being overly sensitive or misjudging your coworker. Give a measure of grace and see if the issue continues.
Step 2
Approach your coworker with your concerns. Try not to be confrontational and control your emotions. State the facts as you see them and seek to understand your coworker's position and where she is coming from. Set up the talk in a private setting, preferably outside of the workplace.
Step 3
File your concern with human resources or your boss. Make sure to have documentation of any false claims made against you and how they have affected your job. Make sure to express that you are not trying to get anyone in trouble, but are seeking a more positive, fair work environment.
Step 4
Quit if the situation doesn't improve or your concerns are left unacknowledged. This probably seems drastic, but life is too short to spend your days in a energy-draining negative situation. Find a new job with more positive energy and move on, leaving the blaming coworker to find a new scapegoat.
Tips
Warnings
References
Tips
- Always remain calm and keep your emotions under control.
Warnings
- Do not speak to human resources or your boss without approaching your coworker first.
Writer Bio
Missi Maynard has worked in online advertising for more than 10 years. She has also been a copywriter for a number of online publications and volunteers for many charitable and faith-based organizations. Maynard holds associate degrees in computer information systems and general studies, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Christian ministry.