In the best organizations, collaboration is encouraged, and leaders are expected to think beyond their turf. But there’s a difference between that and a colleague who constantly weighs in on work that isn’t theirs or peppers you with unsolicited opinions. What should you do about a colleague who keeps overstepping?
Read the situation. Most meddling comes from insecurity, misunderstanding, good intentions, or even ignorance, not malice. And it’s usually situational. You may also be inadvertently inviting the behavior: phrasing decisions as questions or leaving too much room for interpretation. Do some self-reflection and run the situation by a trusted sounding board.
Hear them out. If the problem really is them, raise the issue privately, with honesty and empathy. Ask why they feel the need to step in and keep digging until you understand their perspective. Don’t try to fix things or tell them they’re wrong. Instead, find the 10% of what they’re saying that you agree with, and acknowledge it with a specific, sincere response.
Stay ready. Have some go-to responses for when a colleague butts in, particularly during a meeting. Assert your authority respectfully by saying something like: “It’s clear you have a lot of thoughts on this, and I want to hear them, but for now I need to put a pin in it to move to the next item.”
