How To Handle Immature Coworkers (Plus Tips)

The Most Immature Things Coworkers Did

How to handle immature coworkers

To deal with a coworker who you believe is acting immaturely, try the following steps:

1. Identify immaturity

Learn the telltale signs of immaturity and childish behavior so you can spot this issue and tell it apart from other difficulties you might be having with a coworker. Some potential signs of immaturity include:

To have a conversation that is more productive, try to come up with specific instances of these actions. To ensure that you remember the actions in full, write them down.

2. Speak to team members

You might try talking to your coworkers if you’re unsure whether the immature team member’s behavior has an impact on others at work. Think about talking to one or two reliable coworkers who could offer different viewpoints. They might be able to offer more concrete examples of behavior to support your claims.

Additionally, your coworkers could assist you in altering your viewpoint or improving how you interact with the less mature team member. They could offer suggestions for how to approach the conversation or gain insight into the factors that lead to some of the immature behaviors.

3. Seek mediation

Setting up a meeting to discuss the behavior is the next step in managing an immature coworker. Although you might be able to handle the situation on your own, it sometimes makes sense to ask for advice from a third party. To help you and the immature coworker have a conversation, think about contacting your manager or an HR representative. If you require assistance, you may also request their presence.

To give you and your coworker a chance to approach the conversation with reason and respect, request a private meeting to talk about this issue. Additionally, this gives you time to prepare the best way to approach this coworker. Try to arrange for the meeting or conversation to take place in a private office or room.

4. Address the immature actions

When you have your meeting, talk about the particular actions you saw. You can also inform your coworker of how their conduct has impacted your performance and the efficiency of the workplace. The coworker may not have been aware of your personal boundaries and workplace rules, which you can reestablish. You could mention the policy against gossiping at work, for instance, if it exists there.

Give your coworker time to share their view, as well. Allow them to speak for themselves and offer their perspective on the situation. You can better understand their viewpoint and come to an understanding by having an open discussion about the subject.

5. Create a plan

The best course of action can be decided once you and your coworker seem to have come to an understanding. Ask your coworker for advice as you consider some of the best ways to try to change the immature behavior. Making a plan jointly can make you both happy with the outcome.

6. Follow up

Give your coworker enough time to work on the solution before you check in with them. Ask yourself if there have been any changes that you could mention, and if so, be grateful. Gratitude for a coworker’s efforts can demonstrate your appreciation and encourage them to keep improving their professionalism.

Additionally, you can inquire with your coworker regarding their comfort level with the modifications and any changes they would like to see made. Taking into account their emotions can demonstrate your concern for them and your desire to promote a cooperative environment. If you can, keep giving them feedback to show them that you value what they are doing.

Why is it important to identify immature coworkers?

Knowing which coworkers may be lacking in maturity can help you decide what to do next. In some circumstances, learning how to work with potentially immature coworkers is preferable to attempting to change their personalities. If you do need to take action, the first step in coming up with a solution that is acceptable to all parties involved is recognizing the immature actions.

Tips on handling immature coworkers

Here are some tips for handling immaturity in the workplace:

FAQ

How do you deal with an immature coworker?

1. Identify immaturity. Learn the telltale signs of immaturity and childish behavior so you can spot this issue and tell it apart from other difficulties you might be having with a coworker.
2. Speak to team members. …
3. Seek mediation. …
4. Address the immature actions. …
5. Create a plan. …
6. Follow up.

What are the signs of an immature person?

• Irresponsible Spending: …
• Petty Insults: …
• Zero Impulse Control: …
• Bullying Others: …
• Poor Listening Skills: …
• Refusing To Apologize: …
• Attention Hogging: …
• Lack Of Support:

How do you handle childish employees?

1. Stay Calm. …
2. Discuss Issues in Private. …
3. Give the Offending Parties a Chance to Explain Themselves. …
4. Choose Your battles. …
5. Set Clear Boundaries.

What are the signs of a toxic coworker?

• If they’re rude and disrespectful.
• If they’re confrontational and aggressive.
• If they blame others for their mistakes.
• If they’re always greedy and unsatisfied.
• If they act like they know everything.
• If they regularly undermine others with sarcasm and mockery