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+ - How to deal with a know-all jerk programmer? 5

Submitted by boxlight
boxlight writes "I am working with a know all jerk programmer who can't keep his nose out of everyone's business. For example, he's responsible for the object-persistence layer only, but he's always mouthing off to everyone about how they are "supposed" to be doing their work (UI programmers, application server guys, DBAs, and so on) when he's not in charge of anything. Basically he's micro-managing everyone when he's not even the manager!

At one time or another everyone on the team has complained about him, and because I work very closely with him people often come to me to ask me what his problem is.

Whenever anyone confronts the guy he flies completely off the handle. It's like he has a screw loose and is unable to accept other people's ways of doing things; it's always an all-or-nothing approach with him; he either gets his way, or he gives a reluctant eye-roll and a "whatever", only to bring up the issue again in a week or so until, ultimately, the other person give in just to shut him up.

The other unfortunate piece of this is he's always in the boss's office doing a song and dance about how hard he's working and how wonderful he is at solving so many complex problems. So he appears to have the boss's ear. Like, when the boss wants to take the temperature of the project, he goes to this guy.

So far I've managed to keep my cool and keep the peace by pretty much giving in on things he wants; . But I feel like there's an anger in me that's simmering under the surface and I'm afraid one of these days I'm going to freak out on him and them *I'm* going to look like the source of the problem to the boss. I don't want to get into daily shouting matches, and I really don't want to lower myself to his level and start sucking up to the boss for perceived credibility either.

Also, I don't want to quit because everyone else at the company are great to work with and the project is fun and the money is good.

So my question for Slashdot is, how do I deal with this??? Please help!"
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How to deal with a know-all jerk programmer?

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  • While I don't work as a programmer, the company I work for has people much like this (I'm sure every company has at least a few!) I found that the best thing I could do was to make them think we're friends and try to stay on their good side. On many occasions the person actually turns out to be very nice! Of course, that may not be the case with this guy, but I've certainly seen it happen. It's always a good idea to be on the good side of the people that are disliked, as this opens up a great deal of poten
    • by boxlight (928484)
      Thanks for the sincere and possibly good advice. I guess it's one of those "life's not fair" situations that I just have to deal with. It's probably only a matter of time before he's promoted to boss.
  • Please try not to take offense, but in situations like this, its often best to try to look at things from a different perspective, so ask yourself a few questions (and maybe answer them here):...

    • Your boss obviously trusts this guy. Why is that? Have these two people worked together extensively in the past, thus growing trust? Has this alleged jerk been at the helm of successful projects? Ask yourself why this person is the boss's "go to guy", then ask your boss why. Don't be shy.
    • Are you suggesting that you
  • If it won't hurt to do it his way, do it his way. He may see something you don't.

    If it will hurt, stand your ground. You may see something he doesn't.

You have all eternity to be cautious in when you're dead. -- Lois Platford

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