How to cope with ultra competitive new work colleague

FBaby

She seems ambitious and therefore is acting like someone looking to go up the ladder. These people will inevitably come across as threatening, however, if you are happy where you are and know you do a good job, then let her do so. She is entitled to try to make a good impression. The fact that she thinks she is even better than she really is is her problem, maybe it gives her the confidence she needs to get where she wants to be, or it will come to slap her one day.

In the end, either you compete with her to also get up the ladder, or if you are happy not to, then let her do her own climbing.

getmore4less

who is identifying the work as "sloppy" ?

If the people that need that work done are not happy with the standard then why are they not sorting it out?

If someone says you can do your job better get them to show you how then decide.

melysion

Thanks for all the replies they are much appreciated. The job is rather deadend so she can be promoted as high up as me but no further. I don't have a problem with her working towards a promotion obviously.

What I have a problem with is her trying to set herself up as the best person in the team by stealing all the work she can, going though it so quickly that sometimes it is sloppy (I know this because part of my role is to check her work and yes it is sloppy and I've told her she doesn't have to rush. To no avail to date sadly). She wants the credit for everything she can and simply has no concept of teamwork.

I believe strongly that it's teamwork that is important where everyone works to their strengths for a common aim. She does not think like that. I don't want to feel like I'm a competition. It's making me feel unhappy and somewhat threatened. Also she is effectively bullying the most junior member of the team.

However. I know leopards don't change their spots so I need to find a way of enjoying my work again and ignoring this competition that I'm meant to be entering. I hope that makes sense.

melysion

I have no interest in office politics by the way. My only interest is doing a good job and feeling valued.

BlueEyedGirl

Try some Mindfulness.

http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/mindfulness.htm

FBaby

I believe strongly that it's teamwork that is important where everyone works to their strengths for a common aim. She does not think like that.

The issue is that she is not reporting to you, she is reporting to your boss, as from what you've written, as it stands, they seem very please with her performance.

This means you have to be very careful how you deal with the situation. If you complain about her sloppiness, it could go against you as your boss might appreciate that this is the case, however, believes that the fact she is more productive overcomes the sloppiness. Maybe they believe that that aspect of her work will get better shortly with more experience, but that her fast working sets her above you.

The last thing you need is to show that you have an issue with her when your common boss thinks she is wonderful. If she isn't, then it is for them to see that for themselves. Let her be, if her attitude impacts on the team and you, then let your boss notice it and take it up with her. If they don't and the team is affected as a result, then the issue is with your boss, not her.

melysion

Hmm. My boss already knows she is sloppy and has told the new person herself that she has to slow down. And there are other aspects that I know the new person has been told she needs to work on (her attitude towards our clients for a start).

I think it's worth pointing out that the job is multifaceted and, although the new person might be better at some things, I can certainly outperform her on others. I want to make it clear that I'm not the weaker worker here. That's not the issue.

Anyway. I had a discussion with HR yesterday - primarily about something else but did bring this up as well briefly . She suggested that I talk to the new person myself. I'm a bit cautious in case it backfires but my desire here is to create a team that works well rather than feel like I'm entering a competition every day of the week.

What do people think? Or should I just find another job and be done with it.

FBaby

I very much doubt that confronting her will create a team that works well. You are not her boss so why should she take any direction from you just because ultimately, you feel she impacts on your confidence?

Don't look for another job, just lay low and let her get on with it. From what you say so far, she is not affecting how well you perform and you have had no words from your boss to make you think that they are not happy with you. Just let her be and just continue to be yourself.

DKLS

Don't speak to HR they are the enemy or should be treated as such and with great suspicion.

Reggie_Rebel

Data driven - sloppy.

Stand well back when you see brown stuff heading towards her fan as it surely will be when those two collide.