How do you deal with a "control freak" coworker?

Question

She's been here the longest and is the youngest.

Answer 1

When you say coworker, I assume that she is an equal and not a superior to you.
That being the case, do you have the same job or different ones?
If different, then tell her directly that you are capable of doing you job without her assistance, but that if the time comes that you need it, you surely know how to ask for help. If she persists, you may need to be blunt and tell her that you know how to do your job without her instruction and advice.
Most people who do that are not comfortable with themselves or their position in life. Many do not even realize that they're doing it, but there are some that thrive on it. They want to be in charge but aren't able to. You'll just have to figure out which type she is. The former group can usually take a hint and back off, while the latter group loves the challenge of triumph.
If neither of these methods work, then you may want to call on your superior at an appropriate time and explain how you feel. At first, lay it out only in general terms with no names, to get a feel for what he thinks of the situation. If they seem interested, then you can go into more detail; if not, then let it go and continue trying on your own.
If this person does happen to be your superior, then you may want to try the Human Resources department at your company, if you have one. You could also try them if the talk with your superior about the coworker deadends.

Answer 2

Like bullies, control freaks like to empower themselves by imposing their will on others. Many times if not most, bullies and control freaks are one in the same. Unless this person is a supervisor, you should ignore her. She is probably on a 'power trip' because she has seniority. Plus with her being the youngest
at your place of employment, she enjoys having the status of 'bossing others' who are older. Again, unless she is a supervisor or some other authoritative figure, ignore her. If she does have a high position file a complaint. Don't make her more important than she already feels. She is more of a nuisance than anything else. The more irritated you become, the more you feed her power trip. Ignore her because control freaks / bullies hate being ignored. Try it and watch how irritated she gets.

Answer 3

IT DEPENDS ON UR POSITION IN MY OPINION.

IF U ARE UNDER THAT CONTROL FREAK THEN U SHOULD SIMPLY NOT MEET HER CONTROLING DEMANDS BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ARGUEMENT OR DISAGREEMENT. OTHERWISE THAT CONTROL FREAK WILL COMPLAIN ABOUT U AND GET U IN TROUBLE BY EXAGGERATING WHAT WAS ACTUALLY SAID AND HOW U SAID IT. IF U DON'T MEET THE CONTROL FREAKS DEMANDS WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING AND THE CONTROL FREAK STILL COMPLAINS TO UR MANAGER ALL U HAVE TO SAY IS UR DOING UR JOB TO THE BEST OF UR ABILTY THE WAY U THINK WORKS BEST FOR U AND IT'S GETTING DONE. THEY'LL SEE WHAT A CONTROL FREAK SHE IS INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON WEATHER U GAVE HER AN ATTITUDE OR WHATNOT.

ON THE OTHER HAND IF UR POSITION IS EQAUL TO HERS LET HER KNOW WHAT'S UP. FOR EXAMPLE U ONLY ANSWET TO UR BOSS AND U KNOW HOW TO DO UR JOB. PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Answer 4

Be polite but assertive. State in no uncertain terms YOUR view. These people only do it when they know they can get away with it.

You should have said COWWORKER! Sounds more like her!