How to Deal with Coworker Who Holds Back Information

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How to Deal With Coworker Who Holds Back Information

Dealing with a co-worker who won't provide you with work-related information you need to know to do your job is one thing. However, realizing that your co-worker just doesn't want to build a relationship with you where the two of you share more than what's necessary to do your respective jobs is another. Don't spend time creating ways to get the information you want from a co-worker, unless you're certain the employee understands the ramifications of withholding certain information and is being merely obstinate. In this case, it's up to you to explain why you need essential information or escalate the matter to someone who can enforce company policy related to workplace information-sharing.

Access

Before you assume that your co-worker is holding back information from you or from other team members, determine whether the co-worker actually is in the know or has access to the information. In some cases, employees can't disclose information because they're not privy to it. For example, if you ask a co-worker about a personnel issue, such as whether the company intends to make a job offer to a candidate you know, your co-worker might not have that information because it concerns a confidential employment matter. Therefore, make sure your co-worker actually has the information you seek before you devise a way to gain access to the information.

Candor

An effective way to handle workplace issues is through candid and direct communication. Skirting around an issue will only prolong a resolution. If you know that your co-worker is withholding information you need to do your job, address the situation before it becomes problematic. For example, if you process payroll and you need records pertaining to time and vacation and your co-worker provides only time records, your job is to impress upon her the importance of handing over vacation information that enables you to complete your job duties.

Supervisor

Running to a supervisor to complain about a co-worker withholding information from you will only strain your relationship with your co-worker. However, if you have concerns that the information you need is related to business ethics or principles, it's in the company's best interest for you to discuss this matter with your supervisor or another designee within the company. For instance, if you work in an accounting department and an employee has knowledge about another employee's less-than-honest handling of money, that's a matter that deserves immediate attention because it has to do with business ethics. Also, it could involve illegal activity that must be reported to authorities.

Relationship

Perhaps you don't have the kind of relationship with your co-worker that fosters an open exchange of information. Some employees are reluctant to provide information to colleagues for fear of losing a competitive edge or because they aren't comfortable talking to people with whom they work. If the information is non-job-related, then let it go. Job-related information is important -- not whether your co-workers lets you know where a group of employees is going to have lunch. If your co-workers aren't a cohesive group or just uninterested in useless chatter during the workday, accept that as indicative of the workplace culture.

Predicament

Consider whether your request for information from your co-worker is considered sensitive or if by divulging information to you, your co-worker's job or reputation could be on the line. It's unreasonable for you to expect someone to put his job in jeopardy to disclose information that you may not need to know, therefore, give the co-worker the benefit of the doubt. Determine whether you actually need the information or if you simply want the information.