How to deal with that bossy coworker who acts like your supervisor

How to deal with that bossy coworker who acts like your supervisorHow to deal with that bossy coworker who acts like your supervisorKnow-it-all coworkers are one thing, but ones who act like theyre your actual manager (when theyre leid) are a completely different beast. Heres how to keep them from controlling your workday.Dont run away - act with compassionThis isnt impossible.In this video, Kathi Elster and Katherine Crowley of K Squared Enterprises answer someones question about a bossy secretary who thinks she runs the office, and what they can do in response.Its tempting to think that you can shut her down, and relieve her of her delusions. Come on, you cant do that. Anyone who gives themselves that kind of self-importance usually feels really shaky inside. So self-awareness is gonna come to this secretary when shes ready to grow. Your best bet is to feel sorry for her. Your compassion will ease her need to be so self-important. I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but yo ur anger is only fueling her desire to act out.Say it to their faceSara McCord, a freelance writer and editor, writes about this in The Muse, recommending that you speak up in the moment.After talking about a hypothetical scenario where your colleague assumes control and gives you a boring assignment (and youre annoyed by it), and that she may not realize how you or others on the team feel, McCord explains about the best way to proceedSo, step one is speaking up. She may not realize how aggressiveHeres what were going to do sounds.Practice saying things like, I have an idea for a different approach and Id like to take a more active role in the direction of this project. How about if Maybe shell do a decent job at sharing leadership roles, its just that no one had previously expressed interest. Your first step is to give her a chance to do just that.Remember, they may not always have it out for youPeter Barron Stark is a coach, author, speaker consultant, co-creator of The Managers Toolkit and President of Peter Barron Stark Companies.He writes on the organizations website about experience coaching top managers with a difficult relationship, and that when working with difficult colleagues, you should assume positive intent.We dont think that people get up in the morning and say, Im going to be a real controlling, arrogant jerk today at work. We do believe that despite appearances, people try to do their best. Some people have baggage they cart with them. Some appear insensitive and are oblivious to the impact they have on others. Others seem to work in a world of their own and make decisions in a void. Accept people for who they are, and assume that they have positive intent, despite their approach. If you can look deeper and try to understand your counterparts perspectives, youll almost always realize that they are doing what they believe to be best. From there, it is easier to figure out ways to work collaboratively to achieve common goals.Get your actual b oss on boardLolly Daskal, speaker, consultant, coach, author and President and CEO of Lead From Within, writes in Inc. that you should seek additional support.Enlist the help of your supervisor or a human resources manager if your colleagues behavior is interfering with your work. Ask other coworkers who are frustrated with the control freak to support you if your manager resists taking action.