By repeatedly poking her finger on my shoulder as she was tell me something (that I was supposed to answer the door, which is my duty but I was busy doing something else). What in your opinion is the best and most professional way to handle the situation and what should I say to her when I confron her today?
2007-10-28 22:49:44 · 17 answers · asked by Char 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Tell her that touching you is absolutely not allowed, and if it ever happens again, you will call the police ... and a lawyer.
2007-10-28 22:53:56 · answer #1 · answered by Daniel T 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The hardest part about doing something professionally, is that you are going to do something BACK to someone who probably did something unprofessionally first to you. A couple of questions first. How long has each of you worked there? Ages of you two? What is your relationhsip-is she your supervisor? Was the thing you were doing your primary responsibility or were you doing something that should have been done by someone else? Is this the first time there has been a confrontation? Generally, poking someone is very unprofessional. That being said, being rude and threatening back to that person is unacceptable. Always take the high road. That doesn't mean you have to be a doormat. Make sure she realizes that what she did was very unprofessional and it won't be tolerated. Keep an even voice and sound matter of fact, not screechy or angry, just firm. Remind her that it important for everyone to help each other out when things get busy, so instead of poking you, instead, you would appreciate a helping hand. Obviously if this is an on-going thing it will have to be handled with some help from a supervisor. No one deserves to be bullied, and this borders on it.
2007-10-29 06:16:50 · answer #2 · answered by Proverbs twenty7 7teen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't appreciate the fact that you were poking your finger on my shoulder while telling me I had to open the door.
Will you please not do that again.
Be prepared for attitude when you tell her. People generally don't like to be corrected.
If this should happen, so much for the professionalism. Go over to her desk and sit on it while eating a snack.
You can do either or. Then there's both. One way or the other, she'll know what you're saying.
It's either Good Luck or Have A Little Fun.
2007-10-29 06:13:32 · answer #3 · answered by Eagles Fly 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not, the simple act of her touching you with one finger can be considered assault. No one ever has the right to touch you without your permission. I would never actually press assault charges on someone for that, nor would I advise anyone else to (although I have seen such charges in my work as a paralegal), but the offender might need a gentle education about this subject so she does not find herself in hot water in the future. It's really unacceptable and unprofessional as well.
2007-10-29 09:47:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is perfectly acceptable to approach a co worker and discuss a matter with them. This is the first step reccommended in these situations.
Simply say 'I did not like you poking me the other day, and I would appreciate your not doing that again.' If she says 'but you wouldn't open the door!' Tell her 'I was well aware that the door needed to be answered, and planned to get to it as soon as i was able. If in future, you have helpful suggestions, then please simply tell me.'
2007-10-29 06:29:26 · answer #5 · answered by A derka der 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well...if it were me...and I'm pretty blunt. Say it while you are looking at something else and say "Remember when you wanted me to answer the door the other day and I was busy so you poked me repeatedly on the shoulder?" and she says "yeah?" then look her right in the eye and say "Don't do it again" and walk off.
I find this intimidation is the best policy when working with people who think this behavior is appropriate.
2007-10-29 05:57:04 · answer #6 · answered by Leizl 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you didn't like it you should have handled it on Friday, not on Monday by stepping back and asking her to not touch you in that way. It would not be wise to use a confrontational manner to re-visit old news.
2007-10-29 07:54:56 · answer #7 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no reason to poke anyone. If you confront her, keep calm and tell her that you did NOT appreciate her poking you to make her point. It was very unprofessional. Next time, she does it, you'll report her for harassment or workplace violence.
2007-10-29 07:03:33 · answer #8 · answered by DB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
confrontation is really a good ways.Just tell him about your feelings from that event but in a gentle way.Ask him why he do that even he saw you that you are busy? Just go on what you are thinking that is right.
2007-10-29 06:33:10 · answer #9 · answered by ivillijo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, this is terribly hard. My coworker has jokingly punched me pinched me and poked me. I was like look dont ever pinch, punch, or poke me again or else. It stopped.
2007-10-29 16:06:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋