I'm fairly new in a professional office, where my duties and capabilities have been steadily increasing. One of the women I work with (who I rarely work directly under) will give be directions on things that I already know how to do, have been doing it the whole time. The directions will be PAINSTAKINGLY dumbed-down, and rather condescending. So far, all I've done is said a cheerful "OK" and gone about my work. It's been pointed out to me, however, that as long as I react this way to her directions, she will continue to think that I need her directions. So how do I say "I know that! Duh!" without ticking her off?
2007-02-23 02:49:02 · 12 answers · asked by Milana P 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Continue with the cheerful disposition and say something like, "Great, that's how I've been doing it." Or, "yes, that's just how I would do it." Sometimes it's okay to say, "Okay, I've done this before so I know what you're talking about." Or, if she's given you the instructions before, say, "okay, like the last time you had me do this? I remember....."
Hope this helps.
2007-02-23 03:27:35 · answer #1 · answered by solvanggirl 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What she may be doing possibly is not to be insulting but helpful being that you say you are fairly new to the office. Not all companies or even internal departments do things the same. I have had employees who did work with a previous company and felt quite comfortable with performing what they felt were standard tasks the way they had done them for others... not the case always. Tell her you would like to make a suggestion that save a great deal of time for you both and the office in general. Then "suggest" that she ask you if you are familiar with a particular process and let her know you will honestly let her know if you are or are not or maybe could use a "refresher". Honesty in communications is always the best place to start and stop misunderstandings that have never been aired. Good Luck.
2007-02-23 20:50:41 · answer #2 · answered by wonderful1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her aside and say, "I don't know if anyone has said anything to you or not about my training level, but I am already trained for most of the duties I perform. I want you to feel free to correct me, however, if I am doing something wrong, and I hope you would be comfortable with me coming to you for help on things I DON'T know how to do, as you seem to be VERY capable."
Listen for her response. She may not have known that you already are qualified for this job. But honesty (and a little bit of flattery) will get you far with most everyone. Don't get annoyed if she is asking you if you're sure you're comfortable with
2007-02-23 11:04:55 · answer #3 · answered by jlene18 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could just say, "Thanks for all your help, but I'm actually really familiar with this process." Then tell her some of your work background. It might even help to throw in some insider jokes that you'd only be able to make if you'd done this type of work before. that'll let her know that you know what you're doing without ticking her off or making her feel dumb.
Of course, she may just be one of those people who needs to feel needed, so try to ask her about something totally different that you might not know as much about--like where the good restaurants are in the area or ask about her job.
2007-02-23 11:00:53 · answer #4 · answered by CrysV 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
After she tells you something, you can say something like, thanks i think i fully understand now, or i really knew that was the procedure! (in an upbeat way). You can also, during a quiet time have a conversation with her that you really apreciate the help she has been giving you, that you know feel really comfortable here and secure in your knowledge you have amassed there due to her help...I think she will kind of get the picture that she has already given you all the tools you need, and you will probably get yourself on her good side.
2007-02-23 11:03:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm totally capable of performing this particular task. I've been doing it for some time now.
Or you could walk the hell away from her while she is talking and just do the task. And then when you're finishing she will see that you know what you are doing.
2007-02-23 11:07:35 · answer #6 · answered by Tonya W 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Say,, "Yes. I agree." and let it go. Not worth offending someone who is a supervisor.
Some day you may be promoted, and be on the same level with her. Till then, you probably have to take this.
2007-02-23 11:52:37 · answer #7 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think an appropiate look of disgust is in order after saying, thank you for your help, but I have my own way of doing it that I learned at my old job.
People like that just want to feel superior ... don't let her get to you personally, it's her own insecurity speaking ... literally.
2007-02-23 20:58:09 · answer #8 · answered by Reserved 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would just say something like "Sure, no problem, I'll get that done for you. If I have any questions on how to do it, I'll come find you."
2007-02-24 14:52:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Say, "It sounds like you really know what you are doing. This company is lucky to have you. Now I know who to go to if I have any further questions"
2007-02-23 10:53:02 · answer #10 · answered by gtahvfaith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋