Female co-worker trying to take over?

Question

I work in an office with 4 other women. I am the only part time worker. We work in a doctor's office on production, and I do better than most of the full time girls. There is one woman,when she was hired, she would take my doctor's work when I was gone in the afternoons. She would let her own work get way behind because she was too busy taking mine. I had plenty of other work to do, and was the low person on the totem pole because I was "only part time". Now she is behind on everything because she bit off more than she can chew. My question is, why do women come into a job and try to take over and alienate the other women? She brown nosed the supervisor so she could get away with it.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, women in the workplace tend to want to level the playing field with other women (this is why women bosses are so often acccused of being b*tches.) It often results from their own insecurities. Perhaps as you indicate, you do a better job than the others and the boss has held you up as an example to her. Perhaps you get more attention from supervisors or customers. Perhaps you are younger, or better looking, or drive a nicer car, or have a happy marriage and model children.

Whatever the reason, there isn't much you can do about other people's insecurities except to build them up when you see an opportunity. Compliment them on anything you can sincerely appreciate about them, from their performance on a work project to their new hairstyle or jewelry. Set limits when it comes to work - "Tina, there's no reason why I can't handle Dr. Rachel's calls when I'm in on Tuesday" so she knows she should keep her paws off your desk. Be a role model in your interaction with the other women in the office - supporttive, helpful, friendly - so you come off as a mentor instead of as a threat.

Eventually she will either change, or she'll hurt her own career prospects by her behavior...sad, but true.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I don't think that's a problem specific to women in the workplace, it's a human issue which occurs across genders. And who knows why people do some of the things they do? There are brown-nosers, apple polishers, and butt-kissers in just about every business, and even in social situations. You can't change their behavior, you should just deal with it, and make sure your own work is performed to the highest standards, and not worry about other peoples. You most likely have enough problems without trying to figure out theirs.

Answer 3

Women do it so that they can be appreciated as a good worker. If they are the best, they feel good. Women are very emotional. They usually brown-nose the supervisor and other people so that they can become the best and ultimately feel good.

Answer 4

It could be worse...you COULD be the only male amongst a group of 5---4 of them women.
Hopefully, your supervisor has enough brains to see through her.