Always use a professional tone and avoid starting arguments. Most importantly, don't take it personally. Many times, pushy coworkers just want to be heard – they will do whatever it takes to stand out, even if that means putting others down. Don't allow their words and actions to affect you personally.
How do you professionally tell someone they are overstepping?
Talk About Overstepping Boundaries
Remember to be polite, but stern, and use specific examples in your conversation so it's clear to the coworker what you're talking about. If possible, have this conversation while they are actually in the process of overstepping the boundaries.
Toxic coworkers are often unsatisfied with their own personal performance, position, pay, or experience in the workforce and they've allowed that dissatisfaction to come to such a boiling point that they become detractors within the culture, says Robert H.
Postpone your answer. Don't give them an answer on the spot. ...
Question their motivations. Manipulators often hide their real motivations because they don't like to take responsibility for their own actions and behaviors. ...
How do you politely tell a coworker to leave you alone?
“Something along the lines of 'I'm working on a deadline right now, I better get back to this,' or 'Let me get back to you on that,'” can work wonders, says Cavaiola.
If they nitpick your work, say “Thanks for your input, but I've got this.” And if you see them nitpick someone else, say “Thanks for your help, but this is Carrie's assignment and she knows what she's doing.” Plus, if a nitpicker ever “tattles” to you about someone else's work, don't allow it.
Avoid talking too much about your personal issues, especially the most sensitive ones, to let coworkers know you want to limit workplace discussion to work-related matters. They'll be less likely to approach you for advice, especially when they see you're hard at work.
Gossip is a compensatory strategy often used to cover low-self esteem or feelings of powerlessness. It's likely your coworker is communicating this way — albeit passively aggressively and manipulatively — to seek connection. Your colleague may also get to feel superior by putting others down.
