Aggression such as shouting, yelling and belittling comments are all obvious signs of condescension. However, people are sometimes condescending in more subtle ways, such as talking about people behind their backs or making fun of colleagues in the form of jokes.

1 : to act as patron of : provide aid or support for The government patronized several local artists. 2 : to adopt an air of condescension toward : treat haughtily or coolly. 3 : to be a frequent or regular customer or client of a restaurant much patronized by celebrities.

Patronizing is an adjective that means displaying condescension toward a person in a way that arrogantly implies that it’s actually kind or helpful to that person. Patronizing can be used to describe a person or their words, tone, attitude, or actions.

A Foolproof Guide For Handling Condescending Coworkers

1. Don’t Take It Personally. First and foremost, keep calm and carry on, as they say.
2. Call Them On It. You can address bad office behavior by telling people when their actions are not okay with you.
3. Neutralize Your Body Language.
4. Ask For Clarification.

7 Ways to Respond to People Who Talk down to You

1. Don’t take it personally.
2. Expect it and ignore it.
3. Give them feedback and indicate the benefit to them to stop.
4. Give them a taste of their own medicine.
5. Explain your own experience.
6. Cite statistics and display your knowledge.
7. Display your credibility.

In my team we generally say “you handled that really well”, “well done” or “good job”. Definitely not patronising. Always appreciated when people recognise effort and say thank you.

21 ways to say “well done”

1. I’m proud you’re on my team.
2. Congratulations on a terrific job.
3. You’re so helpful. Thank you.
4. You continually improve. Well done.
5. Thanks so much for your consistent effort.
6. I really admire your perseverance.
7. Your cheerful mood lifts the team’s spirit.
8. You’re a champion.

For a job well done

1. Perfect!
2. Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for.
3. Wonderful, this is more than I expected.
4. This is so great I don’t need to make any revisions to it at all.
5. I appreciate your critical thinking around this project.
6. Well done—and ahead of deadline too!
7. You are such a team player.

5 Answers

1. Keep it simple and direct.
2. Say what you mean exactly.
3. Keep it targeted at the right audience.
4. Don’t praise in public if it makes them uncomfortable.
5. If it’s possible, praise in front of peers.
6. Don’t use the same phrases of praise every time.
7. Reference the exact behavior you’re praising.

Phrases

1. a job well done.
2. accept my sincere congratulations.
3. are proud to.
4. commend you for.
5. could not imagine a more deserving.
6. delighted to hear.
7. had the pleasure of.
8. heartiest congratulations.