Working with Adversarial Peers

Abstract

This chapter will examine the dynamics of working with adversarial peers. It will highlight how to get things done with a peer who is inimical towards you but with whom you have to work anyway. The chapter will explore the ins and outs of working in a situation in which, by the very nature of the relationship, you have no authority over your peer and cannot direct them to follow your instructions, and in which you may feel that you have little influence with them either. Nonetheless you have to find ways of working effectively with your adversarial peer so that, between you, you can get done the things you need to get done, accepting that there will inevitably be some risk involved in trying to do so. This chapter will identify specific ways of reducing that risk, as well as highlight the pitfalls you may fall into should you fail to handle the situation effectively.