Dealing with a pushy colleague
Nick Robinson is making waves on Radio 4 with his sharp elbows. So, what’s to be done, asks Guy Kelly
We’ve all been there: watching with gnawing envy as an overly keen colleague monopolises meetings, insisting they are the best choice for all big tasks and generally caring for no one but themselves. If you haven’t been there, well, you’re probably the other person.
Nick Robinson, co-presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Today, is apparently also that person. Sources at the corporation reveal two of Robinson’s four co-presenters – John Humphrys, Sarah Montague, Mishal Husain and Justin Webb – have raised concerns with bosses that Robinson is trying to dominate, using his decade-long tenure as BBC political editor as reason to demand he is in the chair for all high-profile news days.
On Today, there’s generally an even shift split among presenters, as well as an unwritten rule that there ought to be a gender balance on big days, yet Robinson – who joined 18 months ago – has been inquisitorin-chief for the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, after Budget day; for Theresa May on the morning after she called a snap election; and he is said to be hosting on June 9, when the election results are pored over.
So, what do you do with such a sharp-elbowed colleague? With the help of Annabel Kaye, director at employment specialist Irenicon, let’s consider scenarios you may find yourself in – and what you should do.
Scenario: You’re in a pitch meeting that’s ostensibly an egalitarian, “blue-sky” kick-around. But one person – yeah, that person – isn’t letting anyone else be heard. Solution: Only one thing for it, Kaye says, but you may have to make a scene. “Stop the chairperson and say: ‘I would like to contribute. When is a good moment to contribute?’,” she says. “You are politely and subtly letting the chairperson know they are not keeping control while the person interrupting will probably feel quite sheepish.” Oh, the irony, if it’s John Humphrys who cannot get a word in.
Scenario: All the best assignments appear to go to that one overly keen, overly enthusiastic teacher’s pet. Solution: It’ll be tempting to throw the mother of all tantrums. That’s what Humphrys did last year, apparently writing a resignation email after he wasn’t given the June 24 post-brexit shift. Kaye recommends restraint. Ask what precisely you can do to be given those jobs. “If you go in like a group of trade unionists telling the boss it’s unfair, you won’t be successful. Speak to your boss or mentor alone and ask what you can work on, then do what it takes, assuming you want to climb that particular ladder. What feels like favouritism often has a reason, especially if everyone is at the top of their game, like on Today.”
Scenario: That doesn’t work. They have schmoozed the boss to the point of no return, seizing the credit for everything and anything, and care nothing for anybody else. Solution: Should you go nuclear? Pop a laxative into their Earl Grey, or cut the wire to their microphone just as Theresa May sits down? Kaye’s advice is even more devious, and cannot be detected. “I would pretend to be a bit mumsy, and go to the boss expressing concern for the person’s welfare, saying I was worried they’d bitten off more than they can chew. A lot of employers won’t want to be responsible for their staff burning out, so it can stop the person getting any more work for a while…”
Scenario: You now have a bona fide nemesis. Everyone knows it, even “Rob with the Sport” knows it. But will it improve both of you? Solution: Occasionally, yes. It was always said that Humphrys and former Today presenter Jim Naughtie were particularly competitive, but they remained friends and the listeners probably profited. “Healthy rivalries can be a good thing, but when they tip into nastiness and bullying it gets difficult,” Kaye says. “A formal complaint isn’t good for either party, because it will get out. You don’t want to be viewed as devious and untrustworthy for complaining, while they don’t want to be seen as not being a team player. Don’t let it get to that.”
Scenario: It’s Friday night, you’re all in the pub. The keen bean is as smug and charming as usual, bragging about his or her accomplishments. Time to make your feelings heard, no? Solution: “No, no, no,” Kaye barks. “I would definitely recommend that you, alcohol and this person are never in the same place. One or both of you will be tipsy, say the wrong thing, and then the tension only gets worse. Yes, it’s good to clear the air; no, the pub is not the place to do it. Go drinking only with colleagues who make you happy.”
So, keep an eye on the gossip columns after the Today summer barbecue. Once the rosé’s polished off, we could have a five-way brawl on our hands.