Do I Talk to Co-Worker or Go Straight to Boss?

Dear Experts, I work in an organization where teamwork is imperative and our compensation as a group depends on it. One of my co-workers isn't working hard enough. She socializes too much and doesn't take the work as seriously as the rest of us. I want to arrange a meeting with my boss to discuss the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd be better off talking to my co-worker first. I just want to make my opinion heard by the right people so we can maximize productivity. And, I want to do it without causing workplace drama. Any advice? Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter:Q#427 Go to co-worker, be prepared for negative reaction. If hasn't been going on long. wait. Boss will notice. (@jtodonnell) Q#427 Give her courtesy of speaking w her directly first. See if u can come 2 agreement abt focus & objectives of the group. (@DebraWheatman) Q#427 How would U like to be treated in same circumstance? 1st step, speak to coworker, req. change. 2nd step, discuss w/mgmnt. (@DawnBugni) Q#427 Go to colleague first. State how you feel honestly & w/o emotion. End positively. If no luck, tlk to boss w/ team. (@EmilyBennington) Q#427 If it is true team-based compensation, this should be worked out within the team, not through the boss. (@gradversity) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.