Work Colleague

ThemeOne

I think in many workplaces a bit of chat helps the day go by more pleasantly but if she doesn't want to chat probably nothing you do will change that.

There could be so many reasons for it too, so I wouldn't waste too much time speculating what the reasons are.

tomtontom

I feel sorry for OP's colleague, trying to get on with her own work/ life and OP dithering away next to her. Leave her alone OP, if she doesn't want to chat to you she doesn't have to. Just get on with your work and keep out of other people's business.

merrydance

Are you trying to wind me up tomtontom? Dithering away how very dare you! If you had bothered to read the rest of the thread you will understand she has to speak to me so enable me to get on with my job without this I cannot do my work properly. Believe me I do not want to know anything about her private life.

andygb

merrydance wrote: »

Are you trying to wind me up tomtontom? Dithering away how very dare you! If you had bothered to read the rest of the thread you will understand she has to speak to me so enable me to get on with my job without this I cannot do my work properly. Believe me I do not want to know anything about her private life.

You did say in the opening post - "trying to make conversation", which IMO is totally different to asking people questions which are work related.;)

daytona0

merrydance wrote: »

Are you trying to wind me up tomtontom? Dithering away how very dare you! If you had bothered to read the rest of the thread you will understand she has to speak to me so enable me to get on with my job without this I cannot do my work properly. Believe me I do not want to know anything about her private life.

Let's explore that point. You said:

"Yes there is an actual requirement for us to converse, I have to pass on messages, arrange appointments and as I only work at weekends have to be brought up to speed with what has happened during the week. So yes we have to talk to ensure the weekend runs smoothly. I do not want to just gossip!"

So the passing on of messages can probably be met with a 1-word answer. A simple 'ok' or, if you're from Liverpool, 'sound' may suffice.

Arranging appointments can probably result in one word answers if it is one sided (you arranging it and her agreeing).

The weekday briefing is a point which could be explored. Is it her job to brief you? How does she use one liners to brief you? Is it you asking questions and her answering?

Only the final point really raises eyebrows in my opinion.

That being said, the rest of your posts suggest that you are doing things like 'clock watching' when working with the woman and also trying to make idle conversation.

In terms of professional work conversation you may have a point, but in terms of personal work conversation you may be shooting a bit wide.