The "Problem co-worker" thread

[Al Geist]

David Downing wrote:

Well, I suppose if I were the one who had to deal with this person, I
might find myself wanting to ignore her after awhile.  The problem is
that when I heard the story, I found myself identifying with her because
I've been in the position of feeling I had a legitimate concern that
deserved a response and being deliberately ignored.

Hi Dave,

The problem, as I read the story, is the accusatory tone and inability to
communicate without escalating to a yelling match. That's not communicating.
I agree with Gene's Yes/No/Ignore responses. Until the co-worker learns to
play with others, there is no sense wasting time on her. I've had the
unfortunate pleasure of working with a couple of co-workers like
that...pleasant at times, then all heck breaks loose. Maybe she's
bipolar...don't laugh, one of my co-workers 20 years ago was like the person
in the story. I ran into her and her husband a while back and she said she
was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder a few years back and was in heaven
because the outbursts were finally under control.

However, until then or if that is the case, you still have to deal with a
very stressful work environment. Try the Yes/No/Ignore response while you
look for a less stressful workplace.

Just my 2 cents....


Al Geist
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