New Co-Worker, Need Advice

[Bellefior]

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[Vegastrtle]

The only suggestion I have is document every conversation you have with her. It's a good way to help you remember what order things happen. It sounds like you're not in the minority with this situation...which is a plus.

Good luck!

[chaichaitea]

Ugh, what a pain. Maybe since she's new, she's trying to assert her position or figure out her place in the pack, but it's not fair to have that contribute to the stress associated with your job. It sounds like you've already taken all the right steps, and that others have as well. Since your boss is aware of the problem, I'll bet he'll speak with her about these interactions soon--otherwise, he'll have an insurrection on his hands!

[nixer]

Yikes, sorry you have to deal with such a person at work! It is odd that your boss told you to close the door and take it up with her when he said he was already aware that he needs to address the issue himself. I guess I can see it in a "stand up for yourself" way, but this is really HER problem, so I hope he does follow through.

As for how to actually address her, you are right, it is tough to think of a verbal comeback that doesn't come across as negative in response to the way she has been addressing you. My only idea at this time is to perhaps calmly tell her you are busy (sounds like you are whenever she barges in) next time she interrupts you and approach her later on your "turf" mentally. This may allow you to keep the conversation brief and remove "I demand this of you now" aspect of it that she likes.

I agree with the suggestion to document every conversation, and I'd be careful of the "closed door" conversation to make sure she can't twist your words later.

[MandyMaloo]

First, I'm sorry you have to work with someone like this--she even SOUNDS like a pain!

Second- the ladies that have responded have given some EXCELLENT advice. I too would stay away from a closed door conversation, since it doesn't sound like it would be beneath her to twist your words. Also, documenting all your coversations is a great idea. That way, you have documentation of everything you have discussed in case it becomes an issue in the future.

The only thing I could sugguest (and this is coming from someone who works in an office of 4 people--so I don't know if this is an option) but you could email her and let her know that you'll be getting to the projects at your earliest conviniance, and would appreciate easing up a bit until you're able to get caught up. Don't know if that might work, but saying nicely that you're getting to it, but making it clear that it is not on the top of your priority list may help.

Again, she sounds like she may not last too long there, and I'm sorry you're working with such a personality. Hope thigs get better soon!!

[nawsgirl]

I don't know if this is an option, but could you bring your supervisor into it, at least verbally? For example, say she comes in to your office and says "I hear you got this project. Here's the file, add it to your list of things to do- when do you think you'll get to it?" Could you say, "Thanks so much for bringing me the file. As far as when I get to it, maybe we should meet with (name of your supervisor here) to go over what's currently on my plate and how to prioritize this project." If she says no, then my guess is she's probably aware that she has no jurisdiction over you, and is trying to get away with being bossy without your supervisor knowing. If she says OK, then you can bring up in the meeting your "confusion" over where your instructions are coming from, and it also lets your supervisor know that this woman is sticking her nose in where she probably shouldn't be......

Hope it gets resolved soon!!!

[smartgrrl]

Hi - sorry to hear about your problem. I would tell her politely that you tend to be much more productive if you're allowed a certain amount of space - then casually mention that that is how things ususally go on in your office.