How to cope with ultra competitive new work colleague

getmore4less

melysion wrote: »

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).

If it is not up to an acceptable standard then it needs rejecting and doing again untill it is right.

melysion

To a certain extent I am her boss so it would be appropriate for me to tell her of some things (I have already brought up the sloppy work - which is due to her rushing in her desperation to impress - several times. And my boss also knows and has told her about the issue).

And it could indeed impact on my work if she tries to steal projects that I am involved in. She is already taking more than her fair share of the "common work". Thankfully I think my boss would stop her trying to take over projects but she is already spying on my work load so she knows what I have and haven't done yet to some degree.

melysion

I spoke to my boss yesterday about my own performance (I didn't mention my coworker) and she thinks that my rate of production is the correct balance between speed and quality so that's comforting at least.

patman99

She is showing the standard symptons of a 'probbie'. Sloppy work and an eagerness to please as she attempts to make her mark on the manager.

Make sure you through any sloppy work back at her and let her know what the issues with it are and how you would expect her to prduce the work to the required standards.

Eventually she will come around to your way of thinking and workplace harmony will be restored.

FBaby

To a certain extent I am her boss so it would be appropriate for me to tell her of some things

That doesn't make sense. You are either her boss or you are not. From what you said before, you are not her manager, you do a job in the process that means that you pick up a task from where she's left it. If the quality of your job is affected because the quality of her is not there, then you need to record the issues, detailed how it impacted on you and report it to your boss.

However, it seems your boss is already aware and not that bothered, and he is happy with your work, so really I think you are risking turning yourself into the problem maker by steering things up. It would be easy for her to complain to your boss that you are picking on you because you feel threatened by her. Don't give her that opportunity.

ohreally

melysion wrote: »

I had a discussion with HR yesterday

Unlikely to have a fruitful outcome from your perspective I'm afraid.

melysion wrote: »

And it could indeed impact on my work if she tries to steal projects that I am involved in. She is already taking more than her fair share of the "common work". Thankfully I think my boss would stop her trying to take over projects but she is already spying on my work load so she knows what I have and haven't done yet to some degree.

You've stated you have no interest in workplace politics, fine. I'd suggest you learn to play the game as the signs are there that this will overwhelm you if left unresolved.

Her wings need a little clip, who's going to do it (to an extent you're her boss).

mrsscattercushion

Some good suggestions to date. In part, there will always be elements you cannot control, so I've always been a firm believer in throwing most energy into those bits that you can. In this case, initially your own work. Sounds like your manager is more than happy with your work, so take more than just comfort in that. In that respect, this person isn't a threat to you (at least not at this time). Sounds like you and they are aware of her limitations. As others have said, if you are to provide feedback to her, then I would try to be as professional, matter of fact and evidence based as to what needs correcting and offer suggestions on how the person's work can improve. If it doesn't over time, then maybe this needs feeding back that the person is not progressing/accepting advice given.

If she tries telling you about your job, one other way of managing is to smile and thank her for the suggestion, but for now you find that your ways work for you. Often your calmness will effectively cut the wind out of the person's sails, but you are also showing her you will not be rattled by her. Some may see it as office politics, I call it learning how to manage people to get the results you need/want.

The bit that doesn't seem yet picked up by others is that bit about her effectively bullying a junior member. Bullying in a workplace culture can be a strong word to use. I would struggle more in witnessing this. Does the person/people she does this to perceive it as bullying? That doesn't make fr a harmonious team

melysion

It's not in any way a harmonious team. It's not really a team at all - rather a competition.

Thank you all for your suggestions. They are much appreciated. I'll think a bit about how/if to confront my work colleague regarding her over competitiveness.

It may just be best to get another job and be done with it.

clickerty-click

If she has only been in the role a couple of months she will still be trying to find her feet and therefore what the boundaries are. It can be disrupting when a new person comes into a team as it changes what is the norm, speak to your manager and let her know how you are feeling, she can't support you if she is not aware that there is an issue.

melysion

According to a poster above I'd just be labeled a problem maker if I went to the boss. Not keen on that idea - I'd like to avoid being given the boot if at all possible.

Nope. It's time to look for something else that's all

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. It's much appreciated.