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IT professionals in every corner of the Information technology industry—from IT consultants to IT headhunters—have to deal with the occasional issue with a coworker.  The best case scenario is to have to avoid bringing the issue to IT managers.  However, sometimes IT contractors and IT recruiters have no choice.  For those unfortunate times, here are some strategies to complain about a coworker with minimal damage to your reputation or theirs.

1. Assess the situation first:  Is this an issue that impedes your ability to get work done, or is it merely irritating.  If it’s irritating, you may want to shelve this issue for now and try to avoid it.  If it impedes your work, try to pinpoint for yourself exactly how it does so and what the effect is for the company and/or your team.
2. Write down your grievance and try to brainstorm a few ways that your manager could resolve it.
3. Bring your grievance to your boss at a time when they’re neither busy, nor upset about something else.
4. Present your issue and brainstormed options to your manager in a calm way.  Try to mention a few things the person does well beforehand to cushion the blow.  Keep the conversation away from the realm of personal vendetta.  This is a work issue and your boss will likely want to help you solve any work issues.  Personal issues are a waste of their time.