It happens. You’re pretty happy with your work situation, and then someone gets hired…and you can’t stand them. Their tone is dismissive, they don’t do what they say, they hoard information, keep you out of key meetings. I know what you’d like to do…..but what should you do?1. Recognize it’s not about you. Sometimes, you can feel bad like you did something that makes this person behave this way. Remember…they do not know you. So their behavior is based on what they are feeling more than anything else.

2. Insecurity is usually the driving force: new hires in particular can be anxious about proving their value. They’ll talk about how they did everything right in their old job, they feel like everyone around them knows more than them. Hopefully they grow out of it…but usually when I see this kind of behavior, they’re insecure..but usually won’t admit it.

3. Don’t get distracted by it: you’re the one who’s already proven yourself at the firm. The other person is the newbie..but they’re pushing all your buttons. Don’t let them egg you on…they win if you exhibit behavior unbecoming to who you are….I don’t care how justified you may feel.

4. Make sure your boss knows what’s going on. Stay factual: “Just wanted to let you know that I thought I was needed on this project, and Jim said he’d bring me in when he needs me, but haven’t heard anything yet.”  State what the facts are….not how you feel. When you talk about how you feel, you shift the focus from what the person is doing to how you’re reacting….that’s not what you want.

5. Believe in corporate karma. I have never seen a situation where someone who deserves it doesn’t eventually get what’s coming to him/her. It might take time, but trust me, it always happens.