Deborah OConnor March 24, 2014

By Deborah O’Connor
March 24, 2014



Today it is very common to work together in teams in the workplace. It justmakes sense, as everyone has their own talents to contribute to a group. However, there can be problems with division of work and personalityclashes. I received a letter this week that addresses this issue:

Dear Deborah:

I work at a great company and I love my job. I work with a team that hasbeen together for quite awhile. However, there have been some seriousproblems lately and I am not sure how to handle them. One of myteammates has a drinking problem and it is affecting my work. We worktogether closely on projects and I am now carrying about 80% of hisworkload. At first, it was just an occasional lapse or a missed day, but after a few months it has escalated into a major problem. I have talked with him about it and he promises to quit drinking, get help, etc. If I go to our boss he will most likely be fired. He has a wife and threechildren and needs this job. What do I do?

~ Overwhelmed in Orangeburg

Dear Overwhelmed:

You really do have a major problem and it is important that you resolve itquickly. Your job is certainly in jeopardy, as you will have tocontinually clean up his mess. You could go straight to your boss andexplain the situation, but I understand your hesitation, as yourcolleague would most likely lose his job. I suggest you tell yourteammate that he needs to get into a rehab program and verify that hehas done so with you. Tell him if he does not take this chance to helphimself you will be forced to go to your boss and explain what hastranspired. I think this is a fair way to handle the situation and itgives your teammate a real chance to help himself. But you must beprepared to go to your boss if he does not follow through.

Please feel free to send questions to [email protected]. I will answer them in my weekly column.

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skillsnecessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:[email protected]  www.successfulimage.biz