My co worker is my boss's sister in law. We work very closely on projects and she is not carrying her responsibilities - showing up late, leaving early, not finishing tasks, etc. I am being blamed for the projects not executing as they should because she is not doing her job. How do I address this with my boss without getting fired? Blood is thicker than water.

What steps have you taken so far? For example have you spoken to your colleague about the issues in a non- confrontational manner? Also, is your boss an owner of the business or is there management above him/her?

You really don't have a lot of choices. Rather than be miserable, make an appointment to talk to your boss a week from now. Keep notes for a week of the late arrivals and early departures, and list what you did and what she didn't do. If she started working after you did, list a few things that are different. Say that you can tolerate the extra work load as long as you get credit for it, and be firm about what that means. I would want a raise. Keep anger and frustration out of your voice. Keep it short and crisp and polite and rehearsed. If you don't have a tone of complaining and what is he going to do about it, and instead have a tone of this is the way it has to be or I have to leave, then you stand a much better chance of respect.

Yes, you could be fired, so don't hold me to this. I don't know you or your boss. But do you really want to prolong this?

You might be stuck with her because others have complained and you have not. You have no choice but to say something. But you better be able to backup your complaints with proof. You will be fired any way if she keeps screwing things up as you are already at fault.

I would not complain but would ask for advice in managing the problem.

I would say, "I would appreciate your advice about a sensitive situation. As you know, Mary and I work as a team. At times I feel frustrated by her shortened work hours because she's needed to move forward on our work. I also don't have full confidence she will finish her part as she often leaves it to me at the last minute.

i don't want to offend her or create an interpersonal issue, and am hoping you might have some insight on how to manage the situation. Of course, my concern is not looking bad to others if she drops a ball. I don't want to complain about her either."

This is approach is less likely to offend. On the other hand, this won't work unless you are well liked and respected and highly reliable.