Surviving an Unreliable Colleague

Behavioral expert, Peter Quarry, knows what unreliability in a colleague can be like. He suggests first explaining to them why their behavior causes problems. If this fails, you can try appealing to their personal brand and their desire to look good, by getting them to make promises in front of others. Praise them and thank them if they deliver; otherwise hold them to account – all in front of others.

If someone's unreliability is driving you crazy, Peter Quarry suggests:

• Give them feedback – explain why this is a problem.
• Use the formula "When you... Its a problem for me because... In future..."
• Encourage them to make promises in front of others and praise them when they deliver.
• Leverage their 'personal brand' – the desire to look good.
• Hold them to account – publicly.

Interactive eLearning course
This video program is also available as a short stimulating eLearning course with interactive learning modules, recap activities, inline video and quiz assessments, designed to engage learners and build skills.