Dealing with an entitled colleague can feel like walking a tightrope—one misstep and you risk igniting a conflict that could disrupt the entire workplace.

Whether it’s their persistent need for special treatment or their dismissive attitude towards others’ contributions, working alongside someone with a sense of entitlement can be incredibly frustrating.

But fear not!

You don’t have to endure their behavior silently.

With a bit of tact and the right approach, you can effectively address their behavior and remind them that teamwork and respect are paramount in any successful workplace.

Here are some clever tactics I’ve picked up over the years to gently, but effectively, put an entitled colleague back in their place. 

1) Lead by example

Dealing with an entitled colleague can be a real challenge. They often have an inflated sense of self-importance and expect special treatment.

But instead of confronting them directly, why not lead by example?

This means embodying the type of behavior you want them to adopt.

Show them how a real team player behaves, demonstrating respect, humility and a solid work ethic.

You might be surprised at how powerful this subtle approach can be. Often, people don’t even realize the impact their actions have on others until they see a contrasting behavior.

2) Assert your boundaries

I remember dealing with a particular colleague who seemed to believe that his time was more valuable than anyone else’s. He’d always delegate tasks to others, even when they weren’t part of their job description.

One day, he dropped a pile of paperwork on my desk, expecting me to handle it.

Instead of accepting it silently like I usually did, I decided to assert my boundaries.

“John,” I said in a calm and firm voice, “I can see you’re busy, but this isn’t part of my role. I suggest you ask someone from your team or speak to the manager about redistributing the workload.”

You could’ve heard a pin drop in that room. It wasn’t confrontational or aggressive – just a clear assertion of my boundaries.

And guess what?

He never dumped his paperwork on my desk again.

Sometimes, standing up for yourself is the most effective way to put an entitled colleague in their place.

3) Use positive reinforcement

Psychology tells us that behavior which is rewarded tends to be repeated. This principle applies everywhere, including in the office environment.

When dealing with an entitled colleague, instead of focusing on their negative traits, try highlighting their positive actions.

Compliment them when they show team spirit or when they respect others’ roles and boundaries.

You might find that over time, they start to exhibit these positive behaviors more frequently. It’s a subtle way of reshaping their conduct without a direct confrontation.

4) Communicate effectively

One of the most powerful tools you have in your arsenal is effective communication. It’s crucial when dealing with an entitled colleague.

Instead of letting frustration build up, express your feelings in a non-confrontational manner. Explain how their behavior affects you and the team.

Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory – for example, “I feel overwhelmed when I am given additional tasks that are not part of my role.”

The goal isn’t to attack but to promote understanding. Encourage them to share their perspective too. This open dialogue might be what they need to realize the impact of their entitlement on others around them.

5) Maintain your professionalism

Keeping your cool is absolutely crucial when dealing with an entitled colleague.

It’s easy to get swept up in the frustration and respond emotionally. But, trust me, losing your temper won’t help.

Instead, strive to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. Treat them with the same respect you would any other colleague, regardless of how they behave towards you or others.

By doing this, not only do you set a positive example (as we discussed earlier), but you also protect your own reputation in the workplace. After all, you don’t want to be known as someone who loses their cool under pressure.

6) Show empathy

It might sound counterintuitive, but showing empathy can be a powerful tool when dealing with an entitled colleague.

Remember, everyone is fighting their own battles. Perhaps they’re going through a tough time personally or professionally. Or maybe they simply don’t realize how their behavior is affecting those around them.

Try putting yourself in their shoes. Understand their perspective.

This doesn’t mean you have to tolerate their entitlement, but it can give you a better understanding of why they’re behaving this way.

By showing empathy, you can approach the situation with kindness and compassion, which often leads to more productive conversations and outcomes.

We’re all human and a little understanding can go a long way.

7) Seek advice

There was a time when I found myself at my wits’ end dealing with an overly entitled colleague. No matter what I tried, nothing seemed to work. It felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall.

Then, I decided to reach out to a mentor of mine, someone with years of experience in navigating office politics.

We sat down over a cup of coffee and I shared my predicament.

She listened patiently, nodding as I narrated my experiences. Then she shared her perspective and offered some practical advice that I hadn’t considered before.

Seeking advice doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable. In fact, it shows your willingness to learn and grow.

You’d be surprised at how much insight others can provide, especially those who’ve faced similar situations before.

8) Practice patience

Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with an entitled colleague. Changing behavior takes time, and expecting immediate results is unrealistic.

It can be frustrating to see the same patterns of entitlement repeat, but remember, you’re playing the long game here. Progress may be slow, but as long as it’s steady, you’re on the right track.

Continually remind yourself of your end goal – creating a healthier, more balanced workplace. This perspective can help you tolerate the ups and downs along the way.

9) Keep your focus

The most important thing to remember when dealing with an entitled colleague is to keep your focus. It’s easy to get sidetracked by their disruptive behavior and lose sight of your own goals and responsibilities.

Don’t let their entitlement distract you from your role. Continue to:

• Deliver your best work
• Collaborate effectively with others
• Contribute positively to the workplace

Your commitment and dedication will not go unnoticed. In fact, it might even inspire the entitled colleague to reconsider their behavior. 

Reflecting on entitlement

Dealing with an entitled colleague doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By employing these nine clever strategies, you not only assert your boundaries but also foster a more respectful and collaborative work environment.

As you navigate these complex dynamics, let empathy, patience, and effective communication guide you. Maintain your focus and never hesitate to seek advice when needed.

After all, the workplace is a microcosm of society at large. And in any society, understanding and tolerance go a long way in promoting harmony and progress.

So, the next time you encounter that familiar sense of frustration, take a breath, recall these strategies, and approach the situation with both grace and assertiveness. You’ve got this!