What you’re experiencing is one of the most common workplace problems, but one that is often not openly discussed.

We all have to accept that we’re probably going to work for at least 40 years of our lives in a variety of settings and with a large range of different people. Think about this rationally and you’ll realise that of course you’re not going to like everyone you encounter at your place of work.

If this arch nemesis is lazy or incompetent, and that underlies the reason for your harsh judgments, I would recommend focusing your energies on their output and overall performance rather than making it personal. Seek the opinions of others by confiding in supportive colleagues or even your boss, which should help point to the next move. Tread carefully, however, as unless you have facts and data to support your argument, you could be accused of workplace bullying. Limit your complaints strictly to fair critiques, particularly if the rest of the team’s work is at risk. If you’re in the right, you will be doing others and your company a favour.

However, as you don’t give the reasons for your strong reactions to this colleague, I’m going to assume it’s simply a case of a personality clash. Perhaps this colleague irritates you for no good reason and they just have annoying traits.

Honest Boss: “I can’t stand my colleague, but how can I learn to work with them?”