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Peer Conflict
Not applicable
Direct

Addressing a coworker who keeps interrupting you

A colleague talks over you in meetings and it is costing you visibility.

Strategy

Handle it live with one calm line, then have a short private conversation. Doing only one of the two either embarrasses them or lets it continue.

In the moment: "Hold on, let me land this point and then I want to hear yours." Privately after: "Something small I want to fix between us. In the last few meetings I have gotten cut off partway through a few times. I know it is not deliberate. I would rather flag it than start avoiding the room."

If they push back

If they laugh it off: "I know it seems minor. It affects whether my team's work gets heard, so it matters to me. Can you watch for it?"

What not to say

  • You are so rude
  • Let me finish for once
  • Do you even hear yourself
  • It is fine, it does not bother me

Follow-up

Thanks for hearing me on that. Noticed the difference in today's review — appreciated it.

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