Q I’ve been assigned to work on a project with a co-worker who’s incompetent and an idiot to boot. I have to double-check everything he does and often redo his work. If I don’t, we won’t get it done well or on time, and I don’t want to be tainted by his poor performance. I don’t want to get him into trouble, but I don’t want to carry his workload, either. What do you suggest?

A So if I take your version at face value, assuming you’ve tried working this out with your colleague directly, then it sounds like you need to just get through this project and then make it known to your boss that you’d prefer not to be assigned to work with this individual ever again. Don’t worry about “tattling” — this is your livelihood, not first grade. And the company has a business to run. Just explain to your boss in a calm, unemotional manner what didn’t work about the collaboration. If you are in danger of not meeting your deadline or delivering what you were asked for, then you have an obligation to your boss and yourself to make that known.

I began this response by qualifying that I’m taking your description at face value because I know from experience that there can be another side to these stories — such as someone complaining about a colleague who’s a control freak, thinks he’s smarter than everyone else, wants to take all of the credit, etc. So if I get such a letter from another employee . . . I’m just sayin’.

Q I’m a doorman at a luxury building. Everyone knows we rely on tips to supplement our income. Everyone, that is, except a few residents in our building. Is it appropriate to refuse to do the little extras for them that I do for others, or should I say something to them?

A Understanding tipping etiquette is essential to surviving in New York City. Without it, your dry cleaning, packages, hairstyles, food, even dogs could suffer the consequences!

Rest assured that everyone knows employees in the service industry count on tips. So unless you’re slamming the door in these residents’ faces, or your idea of being helpful is advising them to make two trips unloading the groceries from the car instead of grabbing some bags yourself, then you have a right to expect a tip.

Don’t take matters into your own hands, though. The board or managing agent usually sends reminders about tipping at holiday time. You should also tell the superintendent, to see if these residents are equal opportunity cheapskates or if they have some issue with you. In the meantime, treat them like you do your favorite palm-greasing residents, and you’ll likely see the green start flowing.