Have you ever had a coworker who seems to think they’re in competition with you? Maybe they’re trying to one-up you in meetings, or speaking over you in discussions. It can be frustrating, especially when you know you’re more knowledgeable about the topic at hand.
I recently came across a Reddit post from someone who’s dealing with a similar situation. They’re a dev on a small team working on an internal LLM-based app, and their new PM seems to think they’re in a competition. The PM is patronizing, throwing around AI buzzwords without knowing what they mean, and trying to take credit for others’ work.
So, how do you deal with someone like this? First, it’s essential to stay calm and focused. Don’t let their behavior get to you, and try not to take it personally. Instead, focus on your work and what you can control.
Another key strategy is to communicate clearly and assertively. If you’re in a meeting and the PM is trying to talk over you, politely interrupt and say, ‘I’d like to add to that.’ or ‘Can I clarify something?’ This shows that you’re confident in your knowledge and aren’t afraid to speak up.
It’s also important to document your accomplishments and progress. This can help prevent the PM from taking credit for your work, and it’ll also give you a sense of accomplishment and pride in what you’ve achieved.
Lastly, try to build relationships with your other coworkers. If you have a good rapport with them, they’ll be more likely to support you and recognize your contributions.
Remember, you don’t have to compete with your coworkers to succeed. Focus on your work, communicate effectively, and build strong relationships. You got this!