I'm in a very small office, 1 manager and 3 others. One of my coworkers constantly is convinced everybody's against her, even though she's the one starting fights with everybody. My manager is afraid to confront her because she's already filed a harrassment lawsuit against him. I'm non-confrontational, but I'm tired of her starting stuff with everybody. HELP?
2007-09-26 02:08:15 · 16 answers · asked by mysteria1884 2 in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
Try to convince your boss to get a counsellor to meet up with the whole staff.
Do not ally yourself into one side (hers or your boss) until an independent outside party can assess the situation and say yes- she is a nut case, or no- she has legitimate concerns.
Normally, a difficult worker is the managers concern, not yours. Picking up fights - is a general statement and I prefer specific accusations.
I want to ask -how?. Is she obnoxious? trying to boss everyone? How did her reputation come out as being convinced that everyone is against her?
Be fair. Listen to both sides in a meeting.
2007-09-26 02:19:42 · answer #1 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is definitely a difficult situation. Perhaps everyone in the office should adopt a new policy regarding this co-worker. When the co-worker starts to bait anyone into a disagreement, you guys all say the exact same thing....
"Jane Doe, are you trying to start a disagreement? If so, I'm not interested in arguing with you. If you keep persisting with this I will report you." Then walk away. Only allow this co-worker to speak to you if it is RELATED TO COMPLETING A WORK TASK. And, even then, if she cannot handle it, never lose your cool. Just refocus and go back at it.
This will take some practice. She is very skilled at 'getting at people' and is looking for a lawsuit. People like this are just looking for a way out of working. They create drama to slow down the work pace or to keep people from asking them to do anything....and if they can sue the company and get a big settlement they will... in a heartbeat.
Be careful around this one... she is a ticking time bomb. Just worry about protecting yourself because people like this are vicious and will ruin you in a second.
2007-09-26 02:21:10 · answer #2 · answered by pink 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is strength in numbers. You should not approach this person alone but with the full support of the others & the manager. This way, the manager will be covered in his actions and the team will also. It will bring a sense of team togetherness. If that doesn't work, go to the manager's manager with your issues. follow the chain of command
2007-09-26 02:16:04 · answer #3 · answered by solomonfever 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a bad egg for the company. She somehow has the idea no one likes her. Perhaps she doesn't like herself latley.
Show her a print up of this question/answer and underline the ones you like. Mark off all the names here (to proect us from her wreath.
Perhaps, she'll have a change of heart. Or at least keep to herself for awhile.
Your manager can perhaps offer some contructive advise.
She may feel too strongly about the company and she may need to just relax a little more.
2007-09-26 02:18:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she is causing this much of a problem someone should definitely bring it to her attention and ask why she does this and ask her to stop.
the manager should be documenting the problems and making a paper trail and counseling her.
Sounds like you all need to have a sit-down and talk about the problems in the office and how you can all work as a team.
then go out for drinks at 5.
2007-09-26 02:13:39 · answer #5 · answered by Doodles 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not your job. It's your managers job. He's in a sticky situation with the pending lawsuit issue. If he's smart he's gathering things to prove his case for dismissal It's going to take time. Would you want to be in his shoes. Stand back and enjoy the show !!!!!!
2007-09-26 02:13:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
File a harassment decision against her. Your manager should be on your side and might appreciate the gesture of support. He could use it as evidence to get her dismissed.
2007-09-26 02:11:16 · answer #7 · answered by Steve C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your Manger needs to do what it takes to get the job done!
Go over his head if you have to, you have every right to file a complaint of your own.
Tell him you don't want to put him on the spot, but its his job to to provide a work environment free of hostilities, and if he does not, he will be just as liable in the event of a report to the proper officials of the "hostile work Environment"
2007-09-26 02:16:18 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just agree with her. Sounds like she enjoys arguing, so she can't argue with someone who's agreeable. I'm sorry you're going through this cause a bad work environment can churn your stomach on a Sunday night and make you wanna call in sick! Good luck!
2007-09-27 17:43:54 · answer #9 · answered by betternher 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Document EVERYTHING she does. Then give a copy to your boss. Great ammo for him to use for her lawsuit. Or you can go to your HR dept and file a complaint. Her behavior is completely inappropriate.
2007-09-26 02:13:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋