Jocko Willink: How To Deal With A Bad Co-Worker

When a coworker starts slacking, you might want to blame negligence or incompetence. But don’t make any snap judgments, says leadership coach and former U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink.

After all, people not pulling their weight might be overwhelmed or might have something going on outside of the office.

“Instead of assuming that they’re lazy and they’re a bum, you assume that they’ve got something going on in their life that is interfering with their work,” Willink tells CNBC Make It.

Approach that person and say, ”‘Hey, is everything OK? Do you need some help? Can I take some of that weight off your shoulders?’”

After all, “you don’t know where you’re going to end up in two months, in six months,” he says, adding: “Maybe you’re the one that’s going to need someone to cover for you.”

If you continue covering and this person takes advantage of your help, that’s when you’ll know: your coworker has either checked out of the job or is simply lazy.

Still, don’t complain about the extra work on your plate, says the former SEAL. Turn it into an opportunity to get ahead.

“You should be thinking, “OK, great. Bring it. I’m going to do your work for you. ... I’m going to start taking responsibilities from you and, eventually, guess what? You’re not going to have any responsibilities at all.”

Your mindset should be: “I’m going to continue to take work from them until I’ve taken their job and I’m going to move forward,” says Willink.

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Ex-Navy SEAL commander: What to do when coworkers aren’t pulling their weight | CNBC Make It.

[trugoku]

This only works when you have a GREAT boss that is able to see the better work you are doing versus your coworker/superior

[blueyedgirl]

I don’t agree with his ending point. It’s not reasonable and I’m not getting paid to work two jobs

[jeanpierrepolnareff]

I really wish this worked but it's usually useless specially with inefficient managers. Best way to get an incompetent coworker is gossip and expose their bad habits and making it look like you're not doing it intentionally
Sad but true

[chochooshoe]

this does not work. I have my own work to do. it's not like I can just do other people's work for them.

[slouischarlesYT]

I think it depends on the situation, how much the workload is and the impact of the outcomes. I'm my opinion, the important part is to be human about it, avoid unnecessary drama, and don't burn bridges. Protect your reputation.

[chesstempi]

Umm...I think we will just end up just doing more work with this advice.

[trustinmyselfalways]

Yea and he looks like he's getting his work done. Companies do not care how or who's doing the work. One guy can sit down all day and get paid while the other guy works hard and soon as he stops the company will say why can't you do all the work you have been doing all this time.

[ultraego]

him taking pride in other person getting fired shows dude is not a good person. I went to Iraq for this country too and I can tell this dude was 2 face guy you would never respect on the field. people like him will get you ko ed lol

[megmaaaaa]

I sont like this video.. i performed. Got the top spot. Now the rest are not around to perform.. like at all

[irietropicals]

Earn that check! It’s you against all of them. Nobody in the workplace owes you anything. They’re not your blood or friend. Just co workers

[WealthbuilderzTV]

Lmao 😂 I love it. This is why I’m not in the rat race anymore.

[abhishekdandotiya]

Please read it and also give suggestions to handle the situation 🙏
I'm the type of worker who always try to give best and as possible as perfect results for any kind of work to my organization. But the problem is that I also expect the same to my coworkers and they're just amazing in ignoring safety measures and their responsibilities at work.
I'm just facing mental torture from their side and unable to understand what I should do about them.
I complained about their behavior and ignoring personality to management but nothing happened.

[israellewis]

Nooo.... That's going to lead to them stealing more company team SMDH 👎🏿

[MutsuKazuma]

yeah that's not how the real world works unfortunately

[ellahu]

don't burn bridges. Protect your reputation - take away

[fahb]

This is the smart way to think.... great

[Shylock]

Ummm has he worked with people before? Not good advice - sorry.

[PhoTo-sotw]

Bs advice. I have a design engineer who is not supporting sales, should I switch departments? Foolish advice