When you work closely with other people, tensions are bound to arise. Many of us bite our tongues in these situations, worrying that speaking up will harm the relationship. But letting something simmer often makes things worse. Instead, address the situation in a productive way. First, make sure that your intention is to be more collaborative. Don’t just launch into your spiel; say something like, “Our working relationship is important to me, and there’s something on my mind — can I talk to you about it?” Then stick to the facts, describing one particular incident, how it made you feel, and why it matters to you. Be sure to ask, “What’s your perspective on this?” Pay attention to the answer, even if you disagree. Then decide how to improve the situation together. When both people have a hand in shaping the solution, the situation is more likely to improve.
Adapted from "How to Tell a Coworker They're Annoying You," by Caroline Webb
