Yesterday, I had a disagreement with a coworker, which escalated into a verbal confrontation.
I decided just to "walk away" before it got too ugly, but he thrust his leg infront of me to block my path, and said "uh-uh-uh."
I told him to get out of my way, at which point, he blocked the doorway with his body, arms folded, breathing hard.
Fortunately another coworker winessed this and made a joke about his behaviour, and he backed down and let me out, saying "this ain't over."
Should I report him, or just shrug it off? I think the fact that he backed down signals he knew he was wrong, but "this ain't over" was a threat.
2007-03-21 05:19:44 · 15 answers · asked by inprimeform 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Report it ASAP. You have a witness to this behavior, which will help to further validate any complaints you make to your supervisor- both now and later on down the line. Not to mention that this could escalate- in fact, I have reason to believe that the only reason he canned it when he did was because of the witness! I would also watch your back and make a point of never being alone at the workplace, until it gets resolved.
2007-03-21 10:15:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get the manager involved and suggest a sit down between you, the co-worker and yourself. It's best to resolve the situation internally, however you can make a complaint with you local police precinct. If YOU interpret the statement "this ain't over" as a threat, it's a threat. If you feel that you should make a formal complaint, make sure you have notes regarding the meeting. This protects you in two ways. First, if you get hurt, you can sue the co-worker and two, if you hurt the co-worker you're better protected. Don't go into the meeting with a threatening attitude. Remember, you're going in to resolve the situation. It's okay to make it your intention to filing the complaint known. Hopefully, that would stop the problem.
2007-03-21 17:24:10 · answer #2 · answered by سيف الله بطل جهاد 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Report it. Talk to your superior, and file a written report. I would request that no action be taken, because it might escalate the situation, but that the report be put on file, should there continue to be an issue. This covers your bases with the boss if this guy ever comes at you with anything.
2007-03-21 12:29:25 · answer #3 · answered by xooxcable 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, good grief, a Frankencoworker, how pleasant for you to spend 8 hours a day with this bully.
There is no room in the work place for threatening behaviour, you are being paid to work not get pummelled.
He blocked your way, that is a direct threat. Then he verbally threatened you.
You betcha, report him immediately and distance yourself from this "thing".
2007-03-21 12:33:41 · answer #4 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Report him to your superiors immediately before he gets worse! Not only are you threatened but the entire workplace is feeling the ill effects of him. I am sure once you tell your superiors a meeting will occur and you need to honestly give all the facts and how you felt when threatened by him. He may deny it, but I am sure your boss(es) will listen more to your side of the story. He may get fired and if/when he does tell your boss(es) that a harrassment forum needs to be implemented and everyone needs to know how to act if they are indeed harassed by a coworker. Nobody needs to feel scared at their place of work, everyone should feel respected. I hope everything goes well!
2007-03-21 13:28:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Report it. Tell HR or your boss exactly what happened. Explain to them that you are willing to let it go, but are afraid of being harassed by your coworker. Tell them about his "this ain't over" comment and you felt it was necessary to report it before the situation got even more out of hand. It never hurts to be safe.
2007-03-21 12:28:20 · answer #6 · answered by notsoswan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Report it, he obviously did not back down thinking he was wrong, he backed down knowing some one was watching and was not on his side. He knew he could get in trouble, so you should tell some one.
2007-03-21 13:22:12 · answer #7 · answered by Firefly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would wait to see what happens next, unless the argument was over something that needs to be brought to managements attention. Watch your back and stay professional. Make sure your co worker is willing to back you up, you may want them to put what they saw into writing for future reference.
2007-03-21 12:29:08 · answer #8 · answered by gymfreak 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should report it just in case he does try to do something else, that way that first incident is on record and necessary steps can be taken
2007-03-21 12:28:10 · answer #9 · answered by Bella 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Report it. Call it verbal harassment. I'm glad I wasn't in your place.
He would need an ambulance.
2007-03-21 14:07:32 · answer #10 · answered by Black Angel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋