How can I be part of the solution?

Question

I have been working at a my new job for a few months now. Everything was going great until one of my co-workers started going through a difficult time in her personal life. She has had some tragic events take place and is having a hard time dealing with it. She has been taking out her anger and greif on people she works with. She tries to get people in trouble and feels free to yell at anyone who does not do what she says when she says to do it. She has been very sensitive and aggresive. I recently saw her messing with a co-workers desk. It looked like she was trying to spit on her desk! I was so shocked I didn't know what to do. To make matters worse their were customers in our lobby within few of the whole thing. I decided to talk to HR about it and they notified my boss. Now we are having a meeting to address the issue. No one wants to come forward because they don't think it will solve anything. How can I be a part of the solution without being the bad guy who told?

Answer 1

You say that this person is going through a difficult time in her life. Could it be something that she has caused by her horrible attitude? You cannot change her therefore, you cannot be a part of the solution. She did need to be stopped. Her behavior is detrimental to the business.

There are always consequences to actions. Good and bad. You were not wrong to report her. When you have your meeting, you can only tell the boss what is going on and I believe that he will appreciate it.

To stand back and do nothing, harms customer relations.

Answer 2

You are in a tight situation, but I think I can help. Sometimes, tattertelling in not such a bad thing. You can talk to your co-workers and persuaide them to confesss what they say the lady do. The you should request a shrink to the lady because she needs help.

Answer 3

Keep the focus on the company goals and how the behavior is interferring with them.