How to Deal With an Untrustworthy Co-Worker?

Question

especially when you have a lot work to do with the same person

Answer 1

The whole idea of trust among co-workers is MUTUAL. I assume you are talking of trust, not reliability & that you work as a team and are at the same level. So
1. Examine if your managers are contributing to or encouraging unhealthy competition among team-mates, in which case you both are affected equally - So need to identify & isolate that element.
2. First & foremost Talk to yr co-worker about yr feelings not in an acusing way, but in an exploratory manner about how you could achieve better effectiveness in yr team. Please be open to her feelings too.
3. If you are absolutely sure she has done sneaky things to yr detriment you should confront her with the evidence, firmly but without acrimony to let her know that you are aware.
4. Work out on any ambiguous jobs/responsibilities that may exist so that the role definitions & expectations from each other are clearer. You may need yr manager's involvement in this.
5. Irrespective of pt 4 above, try to find opportunities to lend a hand, in times of overload, absences etc - You will find the same reciprocated.
6. Document yr work & communications well as a reference. If any misunderstandings arise, these will help in clearing yr position.
7. Try and find time for some non-work interaction where you get to know each other as persons. Don't go overboard with sensitive feelings, secrets etc.
8. Try build a team spirit which belongs to the team alone - not to the company or anyone else. light hearted gossip etc are useful in this context.
9. Before ANY issue is taken up to managers / customers etc, the two of you MUST discuss and agree on a common approach so you are not contradicting each other.
10. Do interact together with other colleagues from other teams. Peer pressure often helps people to desist from nasty deeds.
11. If after all these attempts you still find the other person not responsive, you need to involve yr seniors / managers to affect arbitration / reconcilliation or reassignment of team.

Answer 2

Well assuming you and the co-worker are at the same level, I would have an informal chat with your supervisor or manager about some concern you have with this person. The superivsor would not need to take any action but at least he is made aware of the situation.

It would also be wise to document your work. Create a work journal regarding the work you have done along with the co-worker, and record the date and time. This way if something happens that put you in a bad light because of something the co-worker did, you will have a better recollection of the events that took place.

In another words c-y-a (cover your ***-ets).

Answer 3

synonym of untrustworthy is co-worker. u have to be cautious and develop a good gang for u separetely.

Answer 4

Give your work to that person and praise him / her abou tteh way they do the work and engage them so much that they won't bother you.

Answer 5

maintain record of everything said (video-audio recording if possible).