I've been put in charge of my area of work since my boss is out on maternity leave. I'm on top of my people since I have the responsability of each and everyone. On several occasions before my being in charge my elderly coworker has hushed us (other fellow coworkers) when talking. Today I hushed her since I was on the phone with my boss' boss. She flared with anger and said a few uncalled for things. In other words exagerated. She said she would no longer talk and why were other people allowed to talk. I specifically told her it was because she was doing the loud talking while I was on the phone. I told her if it were someone else I would have done the same. Well, for the first time since being in charge I felt my anger rise. I was just doing my job. I have not done a thing since. We were on a good level of friendlyness but I believe it is no longer. I was told by other coworkers that I was the only one who had patience with her and I know that to be very true. Please help!
2006-10-03 14:02:49 · 9 answers · asked by jaaaam 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
It's important to remember when you're dealing with the elderly that their perceptions of things may not be the same as the younger crowd. Also, things in general are more challenging for them in workplace that may be dominated by younger people who have their comradery amongst each other. If I were you I tell her I 'd like to talk with her privately. I'd explain to her that I was concerned she may have misinterpreted my actions to her with the phone call. Listen to her interpretation of the event and be as compassionate & understanding as possible. Often times older co-workers are on medications that can effect their moods and also she may not realize she is speaking as loudly as she is because often as a person ages their hearing isn't as sharp as it once was and they seem to talk louder because they can't hear themselves. Most importantly be sensitive this doesn't have to produce an out come of someones right and the other is wrong. I sense you want her to feel valued as a co-worker and have a respect for her as your elder. When you talk to her try to remember we'll all be older one day and treat her like you would hope to be treated. If indeed you are the only one who has patience with her amongst all her other peers you are a role model. This particular incident was so insignificant on the big picture do what you can to help her feel better even if it means saying I'm so sorry I may have snapped at you. I was only trying to hush you because I was on the phone with an important call. And I've realized in the past when others were speaking too loudly it helped us to tone it down when you hushed us....be humble...also next time you need quiet at work for business calls close the office door. People will get the hint. Good luck...future Boss....
2006-10-03 14:21:20 · answer #1 · answered by Brains & Beauty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u did nothing wrong at work its business and thats it and if she can't seperate the two ams oldlady needs to leave . u have to be stern there is no friendship in work when you in charge of ppl . leave it at a business level and do your job or else you'll be the one fired and the old lady will still be there ya get my meaning
2006-10-03 14:09:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is to continue with your patience. If you get to a point that you just can't do it anymore then you need to have a one on one talk with her.
2006-10-03 14:06:25 · answer #3 · answered by dolphin2253 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes grumps don't realize they are being grumpy... Next time he/she is grumpy /grouchy... ask them if they need a hug !
Better yet, print this out and make sure it ends up infront of them to read!
: )
2006-10-03 14:09:07 · answer #4 · answered by Kitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be overly nice.....they're old, and dont have much to look forward too like u would for example.....their work is the only thing that "needs" them, so who cares if they're grumpy, blow it off........dont dwell on it after work hours,,,,,,,make an old persons life worth living............especially since they probably considered u their only friend!
2006-10-03 14:06:03 · answer #5 · answered by *S* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a meeting with her to see what's really going on. Seems to me she may need a damn hug.
2006-10-03 14:05:24 · answer #6 · answered by nattabomb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find out what tht person is interested in..maybe she wants someone to really listen to her. why dont u take her aside n find out what she really wants u 2 hear
2006-10-03 14:05:05 · answer #7 · answered by devil_queen_biatch14 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honestly there is nothing u can do, cuz by now they are set in their ways
2006-10-03 14:07:21 · answer #8 · answered by keithy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SHOUT AT HER
2006-10-03 14:05:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋