How do you deal with a pushy co-worker?

Question

This person is very nice on a personal level, but when dealing with work related topics she turns very bossy and demanding. How do I tell her to back off without hurting her feelings? She is the type of person who would make a big , dramatic scene and start crying or tell everybody how mean I was to her if I tell her she did something wrong. But I feel it needs to be addressed before I get so irritated I snap at her. I am under a lot of pressure right now and I don't appreciate someone second guessing my work or telling me I better do something when I am already busy with something else that's more important. I should add that I have about 8 years of seniority on this person and lots of experience and training. This is work that I was asked to do and she was told to help me if I needed it.What do I say? I can't be too blunt.

Aside from this I consider her a friend. She's also very sensitive and she is going through some serious problems outside of work. I don't want to make her upset but I need a tactful solution.

Answer 1

sounds like she is taking advantage of you.
this is where being friends with people at
work can backfire.
Is there someone eles that can help you?
Mention that while you appriciate her opinion
on (?) matter, you dont have time to discuss it.
Next time she suggests you do something,
say actually,I think that sounds like something
you can handle.
she obviously has enough time on her hands
to chit chat. Maybe she needs alot more to do.

Answer 2

Bossy and pushy sound like she's assertive and wants things perfect. If she is your superior then you have to learn to deal with her personality. Honestly, I have had several jobs and there is always one of these. I have had them as my supervisors and I just can't handle this type of personality. I would always stick it out a year and then move on to another job. This sounds like a personality conflict and she probably isn't going to change. If at one moment she's mean and bitchy and the next she is nice and will give you the shirt off your back then you probably need to "watch your back" because she might turn on you. These types can be terrible to work for. One minute you think things are fine and the next you are getting yelled at for something you didn't even know was wrong. I have never been good with dealing with it. So, my answer to your question is to move somewhere else within the company or leave and go somewhere else. Good luck.

Answer 3

If you have 8 years seniority and she was told to help if need be then there shouldn't be a problem. Tell her do it or get out of the way cause you have to get it done.

Answer 4

A lot of women are afraid of being too blunt ,
Go for medium blunt . . .

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