Issue with work colleague

paulineb_2

tryingtocutback wrote: »

my personal view is that she is paranoid - if anyone asks her anything she feels she is being "picked on"

Paranoia isnt being picked on and reacting to that. Its actually a mental health issue similar to schizophrenia. I know a lot of people use it out of context, but having lived with someone in my family who had schizophrenia and the effect it has on people, its something people wouldnt use out of context if they knew what real paranoia is.

Some people are just difficult to work with and it could be for any number of reasons, but my view is, if her line manager is aware of any issues she has and how she behaves and isnt addressing it, it shows quite weak management.

I think you handled it well as it happens. Dont think you could have done much differently.

paulineb_2

And its very possible she could have suffered from bullying in other jobs hence the reaction

LisaLou1982

Just to balance the side a little, maybe the work colleague doesnt have any issues with work or home life and has never suffered "bullying" at another work place. Maybe shes just a cow that likes to make things difficult for the OP

paulineb_2

LisaLou1982 wrote: »

Just to balance the side a little, maybe the work colleague doesnt have any issues with work or home life and has never suffered "bullying" at another work place. Maybe shes just a cow that likes to make things difficult for the OP

Well maybe she is, but no one on here knows.

And as someone who has suffered bullying in a lot of jobs, I can absolutely say I never went into any job trying to make other peoples lives a misery, but you dont know how people might react if they have been picked on and perceive that they are being again.

And Ive also worked with people who have been complete and utter cows, so who knows, it could be any number of reasons

However as I said above, the fact that her line manager is letting her away with it, shows weak management on their part.

floss2

OP, why not email ALL the people you need info off, and tell them that with effect from 1st June you will email them once a week (on a set day if that works) to request the info you need from them, explaining briefly why you need the info from them. Then you don't have to speak to anyone in particular, and everyone gets asked at the same time. Set it up as a weekly task on your Outlook so you are reminded

trevorsminted

Op keep calm and let the highly charged woman eventually drop herself in it, let her rant in OP office for all to see her lack of professionalism. Most likely she lacks self esteem. She has reported two colleagues in the past so she will be seen as a trouble maker, tell her you are neither upset nor angry as to feel those emotions it would need to that you actually give a fook on the matter (in private of course) some women crave "lets sit and discuss this", you owe her nothing, silly emotional woman!

tryingtocutback

Thanks everyone - I will stay at my desk for the rest of the day and hope it all blows over before next Tuesday.

bagpussbear

I think you handled the situation really well actually. Hope she pipes down from now!

marisco_2

tryingtocutback wrote: »

I have seen her boss since and she said nothing to me.

I think you can rest assured that what I have quoted above tells you everything you need to know. If her boss had any issues or worries about how you have conducted yourself today she would have asked to discuss them with you.

When your colleague went to see her boss I expect she was politely but firmly advised to start interacting with her collegaues in a respectful and professional manner and to reflect on how her behaviour could negatively impact the working environment of the office.

In regards of how to handle your ongoing working relationship with this colleague, do just as you have been. Whilst the jumped up little up start ranted on, got more and more agitated and showed herself up, you remained calm, collected and dignified in your responses. She will end up alienating herself and jepoardising her career opportunities if she continues in this veign. No one takes people who carry on so seriously or gives them any credence.

Fruittea

These things can so easily get out of hand.

I would be tempted to draft out a note to the boss letting them know there was a bit of a blow up with X and make a suggestion that if they think it's useful - you could use the email route (suggested by Floss2).

If X is still sniffy on Tuesday then send the note to the boss. As a manager I'd prefer to know about someone/thing that is upsetting people. That way you can only win as you'll look solution orientated - whilst covering your back. Not that you need to - but you never know how people can spin things. And you'll be asking her for information again - why should you put up with her poor behaviour around what is, afterall a management task.

Good luck.