What do I do about my control freak co-worker?

Question

I am currently temping in the support services department of a prestigious company. So far, my supervisor, co-worker and even a superior have all expressed appreciation in my work ethic. In general on the job, I like to find something to do even if there's nothing going on. Right now, there is "no end date in sight", but they haven't hired me. I dunno if I will get hired or not. Do I have a shot? Anyways, I work with a guy that's been there for 10 years. While he is into his work, he's stubborn, narrow-minded and at times selfish. He also threatens co-workers that he will go to the boss and that you can "tell your side of the story". I've been there for only a few months, but he's getting to be a real pain in the ***. When it's time to go home, he'll be like "Oh, you leaving early?" and have this insincere smile on his face. Truth is I can't work overtime unless I get certain permission since I'm a temp. And today he's starting to watch my every move and kind of chaperone me when.

Im doing something by myself. I have confronted him several times and he tells me it's his job, but HE IS NOT MY BOSS. He acts like one and is at times controlling. One day I got sick and tired of him chaperoning me and he got mad at me! Like I was the one out of line. I've only been nice to him and helpful and courteous to everyone at the company I could be since practically the first day. Should I just quit? There's nothing else out there.

Answer 1

You have received some really great answers. Overall I'd agreed the company you work with already knows this guy's personality, alittle too well.
Some very specific responses:
1)Let him think he's in control, don't argue and do the work as you originally intended.
2)When he comments about you leaving, specifically name the time you have to clock out. "Five o'clock, just like yesterday. Time flies..."
3)It's possible the position you are filling in is empty because of him. You can't change some people, so hang in there.
4)Definitely let the human resources dept know you would be interested in full-time employment. Omit any mention of this abrasive co-worker. You will not get a job with them if you're already complaining about their employees.
5)Keep a journal, never leave it at work. Especially note any times he has "arranged" to be alone with you or has made offensive comments/movements towards you.
6)Above all, you are a temp. Never forget that, don't become too comfortable or cozy within this company.
7)Speak with the agency you're working for and clarify your position and the long term commitment they have signed.
good luck and be professional...

Answer 2

What is great about being a temp is that it allows you to decide IF given the choice to be hired on whether or not you like the environment. From you statement it sound-like its not going to be a good match. It also probably why this company uses temps - cause they've tried it the old fashion way and just can't get an individual that fits to stay (more likely due to you know who.)
If you want to stick it out and want to become permanent - you should emphasis your work performance and ethics to your acting supervisor and the individual with the last say-so who does the hiring. Be upfront with your supervisor on the work environment and inquire about this individuals role. Questions I would have is...I thought I had only ONE supervisor and if there is enough work to go around...who has time to supervisor others. My last advise is to Document, Follow policy & procedure and communicate!

Answer 3

Don't quit your job. No matter where you go there are going to be people like that, or worse. A long as he isn't singling you out and totally ruining your reputation, you'll be OK. Sounds like the work environment is kind of shaky, and he may be feeling some fear of being replaced, even if he has been there a long time.

Maybe if you start talking to him more, get kind of friendly with him, he will appreciate your "interest"... and at least not give you a hard time.
If you get to know him and think of him more as a person than a co-worker, maybe he won't bug you so much. It's worth a try.

Just keep in mind, if it was FUN, they wouldn't be paying anybody to do it, that's why we call it work.

Answer 4

First, management will see what this guy is like and the reason he's been in that position for ten years is that he's a good worker but has no prospects for promotion.

Second, your work performance speaks volumes. Keep finding things to do without anyone asking. That's a sign of management potential. The more you do, the more likely they'll hire you.

Lastly, ask to be placed permanently. If they have no immediate plans, ask about a timeframe or plan. If they like your work, you'll get hired.

Answer 5

Go to human resources and make sure they know you enjoy working their and appreciate them having you on, but tell them what's going on with this co-worker. Don't be whiny, but just say that he's distracting you and acting as if he's your supervisor. Ask if there is anything they can do about it, or if they have a suggestion as to how you can respond to him without putting your job in jeopardy.

Chances are they already know because he sounds like he's a tattletale. I had a similar problem co-worker and when I got fed up and went to HR, they said she had been warned several times. Sadly, some companies are just too afraid to get rid of problem employees and they ended up losing me--the productive one everyone liked--and keeping her because she had been there longer than god.

Answer 6

I would speak to your agency about it since they area really your "boss" and not the on-site person. Ask the agency to intervene on your behalf and request a meeting for you with the person at the company who is overseeing your work. Keep in mind that as a temp your contract is with the agency, and their contract is with the company. You have a person at that company that you are reporting to, but your paycheck and contract go through the agency. They can pull you off the assignment at any time if they want to or see a need to. Your safest bet is to talk it over with them, tell them what's going on and let them know you would like to have a meeting with the person at the company you have been reporting to. Let them present your side of things and ask for a meeting for you.

Answer 7

In the workplace, we have to deal with many personalities. I have experienced working with difficult types many many times. Even working FOR difficutl personality types that clashed with mine. But I have never had any serious problems that affected my job because of it. Just be yourself. He is being himself and you have to allow it. If he asks you "are you leaving early" with an attitude, just simply answer yes or no, depending on if you are leaving early or not. Try not to BECOME him, or BEHAVE like him. That is what will get you. Be yourself. Dont take his personality as a personal attack against yours, do not let him change you. If you are kind, continue to be kind. if you are a rude person in general, keep it up. Just be yourself in all situations and all shall be well. When we work in accordance with universal law, things turn out how they are supposed to.

Answer 8

The first thing to do is to stop labeling the individual. Then stop worrying about them. If what 'you' are alleging is true then this is a person who tries to make themselves more important while making you less so. Just go about your job and let it runs its course. If you're meant to be hired full-time then you will be regardless of what this other person does or is.

Answer 9

Sounds like your a threat which is good, but it means war. You need to be as nice as possible because they will see that and it sounds like he's a tattle tale. So they will know he's full of crap. Just keep you head on straight and don't let him steal this from. Remember, every time he's mad it's because he's scared of you and he can't have job. It's WAR!

Answer 10

you should talk to your boss about everything that you have just said here and depending on the verbal and nonverbal response received then make your decision none of us here can truly make your decision for you as it is such a major one hope I helped and good luck hope you get hired on