Toxic work colleagues

Forum Sponsor
Unfortunately if you're in a large corporation, you can't really ignore such messages. The odds are that they're being saved, by someone, against the possible eventuality that they have to document YOU.

At the very least you have to document the situations that are remarked upon in the emails, with rebuttals to the comments, and keep them on file. On one occasion, when faced with a similar situation, I responded in a businesslike manner with clear, and irrefutable rebuttals to every statement made. That silenced any future comment. That takes two things that most people don't seem to have; the ability to write a clear and concise business response, and emotional detachment. It also helps if you can slip in a few comments on how she can improve her own performance by way of 'assisting' her, in her 'final days with the company'.

A coolly written email can go a long way toward making such a person burst a blood vessel ;)
 
Yes, document everything as recommended but, don't respond or you might be adding credibility...

Kill her with kindness, compliment her on her clothes, her hair, whatever you can think of. It'll drive her batty and you'll look good.

DO NOT stoop to her level. Working in (and mostly across) a large corporation, I've encountered many of these bitter type, sometimes all they want is a compliment or a thank you and, having not received it (deserved or not, she likely feels she does) is lashing out at what she feels is unfair treatment.
 
Hey John. Now I need to keep my browser closed in case she comes in my office and I have GTAM up on the screen.
 
CruiserGoneSport said:
Yes, document everything as recommended but, don't respond or you might be adding credibility...

Kill her with kindness, compliment her on her clothes, her hair, whatever you can think of. It'll drive her batty and you'll look good.

DO NOT stoop to her level. Working in (and mostly across) a large corporation, I've encountered many of these bitter type, sometimes all they want is a compliment or a thank you and, having not received it (deserved or not, she likely feels she does) is lashing out at what she feels is unfair treatment.
Click to expand...
Whatever you do, DO NOT compliment her on her hair, clothes, etc at all. If you want to give compliments do so on her work. Last thing you need is a ******** sexual harrasment thing on the record.
 
yup, had this happen to me before...talk to HR, make sure they are aware or what is going on, it's their job to quash this sort of thing. cover your butt, keep a hard copy of all emails, forward them to an external email address. talking to your boss is one thing, but make sure the HR folk are aware, your boss is your boss, but they don't always have the best intentions, or advice...don't let this person get to you, who knows why they are upset, it could be that promotion they wanted for years and now you get it...it could be you make her look like a fool through no fault of your own other than being a professional and she is lashing out about it...maybe she wants to go out with a bang and a big payout because she feels like she is being stiffed by the company and feels that you may want to be a ticket...i've seen this all before and yes, it still happens...anyways, keep eyes in the back of your head, keep your nose to the grindstone and look for the light at the end of the tunnel...it's not always smooth sailing, but if you know the waters, you'll be fine. good luck...
 
Freestyle72 said:
Whatever you do, DO NOT compliment her on her hair, clothes, etc at all. If you want to give compliments do so on her work. Last thing you need is a ******** sexual harrasment thing on the record.
Click to expand...

Yea definately do not compiment her. Very bad idea concidering she is nuts and your boss is letting her get away with slander and harassment.

Start a log of everything that happens. Times/date, witnesses, what was said in case you are asked what she has done and when. Tell the boss that is telling you to let it go, that it is really bothering you that this behaviour is being tolertated and allowed to go on. Maybe he thinks it doesn't bother you and that is why he is saying let it go.
 
Jenerator said:
Why is your boss letting her get away with it? This kind of stuff is NOT allowed in ANY workplace. Your company should have a volience and harassment policy posted along with the health & safety stuff. See here: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/wpvh/harassment.php
Click to expand...

Isn't it up to him to report harassment?

If he genuinely feels harassed then the best thing would be to mention it to the person who is responsible for her. But if she's just being a nuisance then the only thing is to make sure her allegations aren't gaining any traction with the bosses, and it sounds like they're not so you're golden.

Alleging harassement shouldn't be used as a tool for revenge, it's a very powerful response to harmful actions that results in serious consequences.
 
I just meant that since he has already reported the problem to his manager, his manager should be taking his complaint seriously and doing what is needed to resolve the issue.
 
Jenerator said:
I just meant that since he has already reported the problem to his manager, his manager should be taking his complaint seriously and doing what is needed to resolve the issue.
Click to expand...

There's not really much that the boss can do, Jen, since he'd just end up 'documenting for dismissal', or some such.

He should at least offer a verbal beat-down though.
 
Lots of great info out there, and at one point or another everyone encounters this type of scenario. Sounds like you only have a short time until the retirement date. Rise above it and ride it out.

Remember...unfortunately, human resources is there to protect themselves, they answer to higher-ups and higher-ups do not like to hear about conflict in those underneath them.

The two people in the conflict are considered to be the problem. Whatever top brass want, that is the answer human resources will give you, since they're job is at stake if they do not agree. Good luck!

http://www.bullyonline.org/workbully/amibeing.htm

http://www.workplacebullying.org/services/
 
Jenerator said:
I just meant that since he has already reported the problem to his manager, his manager should be taking his complaint seriously and doing what is needed to resolve the issue.
Click to expand...

We have policies in place that, more or less, necessitate us to report harrassment in the workplace if we know of it. In face, we're supposed to report suspected harrassment even if it involves family if there's a chance it could affect others in the workplace. So yeah, there is probably a policy in place and the manager should be acting appropriately with HR.
 
Orangepeel said:
Remember...unfortunately, human resources is there to protect themselves, they answer to higher-ups and higher-ups do not like to hear about conflict in those underneath them.
Click to expand...

I disagree somewhat..HR is there to act in the best interests of the corporation I think...not necessarily themselves.
 
lol what sort of thin skin do you have

MAN UP and stfu

1. its not the only job in the world, in fact it sounds like a **** job, just quit and stfu
2. who the f- cares about some old *****? i wouldnt lose any sleep over it, again, stfu, nobody cares
3. see above, this is a non issue and the OP needs to stop being a full on pussy
 
Petraeus said:
lol what sort of thin skin do you have

MAN UP and stfu

1. its not the only job in the world, in fact it sounds like a **** job, just quit and stfu
2. who the f- cares about some old *****? i wouldnt lose any sleep over it, again, stfu, nobody cares
3. see above, this is a non issue and the OP needs to stop being a full on pussy
Click to expand...

I hope you're not writing a "How To Advance Your Career" book.. :-)
 
invictus43 said:
I hope you're not writing a "How To Advance Your Career" book.. :-)
Click to expand...

To be fair, I left a similar situation and it has turned out to be the best career move I have made yet.
 
Shes retiring in a few weeks? 4-6?
Let it go, save all the emails for later, depending on where your working and the level of union mentality stuff in your file could affect your promotion.
Just put your head down and do your job and wait the cow out.
 
Petraeus said:
lol what sort of thin skin do you have

MAN UP and stfu

1. its not the only job in the world, in fact it sounds like a **** job, just quit and stfu
2. who the f- cares about some old *****? i wouldnt lose any sleep over it, again, stfu, nobody cares
3. see above, this is a non issue and the OP needs to stop being a full on pussy
Click to expand...

Words of wisdom to live by.
 
I love all the tough guy responses you always get in threads like these. People are so desperate for simple answers, next thing you know they'll be advising to pray to god for peace.
 
"Never argue with an idiot; they'll bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience."

And it's awesome how being businesslike and calm and even nice to these people just makes their blood boil.

I had a similar colleague and I wish I'd handled it differently, as I suggested above. But for the OP, there's absolutely no upside in making anything of it. Just cross off the dates in the calendar and keep going.
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom