The woman I work with is a friend of mine, but I do not want to be rude an tell her she really gets on my nerves sometimes. When the boss is gone she brings her kids to work with her and lets them sit at our computers to play games and expects us to move and work around them. Plus, her kids are bratty and loud. Then she will sit and brag about all kinds of things and tell stories I do not care to hear about instead of doing her job. I like her as a person, but how do I deal with the annoying stuff?
2006-08-04 05:48:18 · 11 answers · asked by holyterrar85 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Staple the brats to the conference room wall, hit the speakerphone and dial your boss's mobile number.
2006-08-04 06:37:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just let her know that it's not appropriate to bring her kids to work because they interfere with you and your other coworkers trying to get work done. I'm sure she knows it's not okay since she only does that when your boss is not there. Tell her that your other coworkers could bring it to the attention of your boss if she keeps bringing her kids. What is the reason for her bringing her kids in the first place? Where are they when your boss is around? I'd hardly call this person a friend. Friends respect each other. This woman obviously couldn't care less about all of you.
2006-08-04 06:42:31 · answer #2 · answered by Mimi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you're friends, a straightforward approach (sort of) might work. Since you work in close proximity there's a positive and negative to this. Negative because she knows what you do and your workload and your normal stress level -- i.e. Too Much Information.
Here's the suggestion: Next time she comes in with the kids, get yourself into sort of a stressed situation (presentation-wise). Then act rather cranky presented in an "I'm stressed and cranky and trying REALLY HARD to be civil right now) and be a little short with her and the kids. If she doesn't take an immediate hint, then after about a half an hour, crankily say "OK, you know what. I have a deadline and I'm a little stressed and I can't work like this. Can you please take your kids out of my work area so I can get my work done so I don't get screamed at by the boss..." or whatever is appropriate to your work situation. If THAT doesn't work -- it's time to just get in her face about it re: inappapropriate behaviour in the office, etc. -- but it probably won't come to that.
2006-08-04 06:48:49 · answer #3 · answered by Shadycat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is really no way to tell your "friend" just how frustrated you are w/ her without offending her. Remember, she thinks her kids are wonderful and knows she is wrong because she wouldn't do these things w/ the boss around. I would keep it low-key and tell the boss that your friend is a little distracting and you'd feel more productive if your boss would have a little talk w/ her about company policies, respecting co-workers work ethic, etc. I wouldn't try to handle it myself unless you don't truly care how the friendship ends up.
2006-08-04 05:56:03 · answer #4 · answered by *Larry P. he's for me* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally understand your frustration but honestly it is best just to get over it... Telling her her kids are annoying or in the way won't help... And there is no easy way of letting her know you don't want to hear all her stories...
Unless you are so fed up you are willing to go to your boss, just deal with it. An annoying friend at work is better than an enemy...
2006-08-04 06:54:21 · answer #5 · answered by snape4good 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were in your shoes, most prob I'll drop hints such as letting her know I'm not fond of kids... while maintaining that I don't mean her..
ie: "You know my neighbour's kids are so noisy that I cannot get my work done at home... But oh ya, sorry but I was not referring to you... really"
ie: "I actually found out that I am beginning to hate children... They are like so noisy... Perhaps my neighbour cannot live in peace... luckily I spend 8 hours in the office... or else... I'm going bonkers.. and No No, your kids are much better, I'm not referring to them don;t worry *smiles*"
ie "My husband bought a woofer and gosh, its so annoying. I just cannot take loud noises... Any tips on how to deal with him?"
Hints Hints and more Hints while assuring that I am not pointing fingers.... Thats what I'll do
2006-08-04 06:22:52 · answer #6 · answered by Ryousuke Takahashi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definately better to let a supervisor or boss handle this one - Perhaps a video recording would help in case the story get skewed.
There are times for family get togethers and letting your hair down, but this does not sound like the place or time
2006-08-04 06:19:44 · answer #7 · answered by Ron K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to sit down and tell her, there is no avoiding it if you want things to change.
Some suggestions:
a. since your friends, do it casually like while having coffee etc.
b. specify what behavior gets on your nerves and what is the effect on you. Avoid personal attacks.
c. Suggest an alternative
2006-08-04 06:35:55 · answer #8 · answered by kay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell her in a nice way that business is business and personal is personal and that she really needs to differentiate the two.
2006-08-04 06:09:07 · answer #9 · answered by Samba Queen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell her to "back off bia"!!!
2006-08-04 08:07:55 · answer #10 · answered by B W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋