[DechanDawa]

I have read many threads on PC where people are talking about nasty coworkers.

I thought I was lucky because everyone at my new job is positive and upbeat.

Until today.

This one woman...let's call her Mopey....was throwing a dark cloud over everything today. The job I am training in is very hard...and I realized today that when someone throws off a negative attitude it makes the tasks unbearably hard.

Mopey kept bossing me around even though we are at the same level. If I asked her something she walked away like she didn't hear me. It was really making me feel like crap. She also kept making critical side comments about my job performance, and as well, throwing me dirty looks.

I had an evaluation later in the day and I mentioned it. They wanted a name so I told them. The supervisor said this wasn't the first negative reflection on Mopey.

Now maybe Mopey will know I reported this as she was called into the manager's office before the end of the day.

Maybe I made an enemy.

But I realize I can't abide a bad attitude at work. I know Mopey has some personal stuff going on...but don't we all???

I am at this job to make money, not win a popularity contest. But a positive attitude is like the number one job requirement so I felt I needed to report the situation.

What do you think?

[Nammu]

They say that one bad apple can spoil the barrel. Perhaps she'll get a lesson in leaving her personal stuff at the door and not bring it into work with her?

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by Nammu

They say that one bad apple can spoil the barrel. Perhaps she'll get a lesson in leaving her personal stuff at the door and not bring it into work with her?

I told my supervisor it wasn't personal, and it isn't. I'm not into drama either. I don't care whether or not she likes me. I have always been friendly towards her but she just got all gnarly. I know it is really hard to leave personal stuff at the door. But I have chatted with my other coworkers and it is amazing the amount of stuff going on in people's lives causing them pressure. Most everyone has stuff so no one should be allowed to be a special snowflake.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by xenko

It sounds like you are very envious of someone with serious issues. Maybe I misinterpret? Do you have a need to prove you are better than....?

I don't know why you are trolling this thread with critical and sexist comments. This thread asked for responses, not bullying.

[DechanDawa]

Thanks for the reponses.

I realize I was right to report someone with a bad attitude.

It's a competitive workplace, not church. I don't care what a person's problems are. We all have problems and if I am required to leave mine at the door than I am not going to cater to someone who spreads a dark cloud.

Thanks all, once again, PC is so helpful in clarifying murky issues.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm late.. but I'm glad things are ok, now, apparentely

It's not nice to have to deal with this, sounds like you kept this professional which is the right thing to do.

Do you have a plan for if your management doesn't fallow through? Is there a Human Resources department or Employee Assistance Plan you can access? Demand from your employer a copy of both their grievance procedure(s) and anti-harassment policies.

Start documenting each and every negative interaction.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by MickeyCheeky

I'm late.. but I'm glad things are ok, now, apparentely

Haha. You are never late. You are so on time all the time!

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Do you have a plan for if your management doesn't fallow through? Is there a Human Resources department or Employee Assistance Plan you can access? Demand from your employer a copy of both their grievance procedure(s) and anti-harassment policies.

Start documenting each and every negative interaction.

I would say that the NUMBER ONE policy of this company is positive attitude. 99% of the people are upbeat, helpful, and encouraging. This makes for a truly amazing work environment, and it my favorite thing about this company. It also makes a person with a bad attitude stand out. I have compassion for this person. I know she has struggles. But I also know of some other people's struggles and they work hard to keep a positive attitude. It makes everything easier. So policy-wise I am protected. But she could still make working not nice. I am dreading today a bit...but thanks so much for your insightful comment.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by prefabsprout

It's not nice to have to deal with this, sounds like you kept this professional which is the right thing to do.

Thanks. Absolutely. And I made it clear to my supervisor it was not personal.

It is a strange thing that my 18 month depression left me with a feeling of being a bit detached. I find I really enjoy being around people again but I am also somewhat detached. Obviously I am staying protected which I don't think is a bad thing.

I suppose being professional is the very best strategy...one I am going to go into work with today...and not being late would be good so I have better get my butt into gear.

Have a great day and make some good moments!

Thanks!

[seesaw]

I don't think it's wrong to report that behavior. Otherwise it doesn't get addressed and just multiplies. As long as you do it in a professional way, I don't see an issue with it. I have also had to report bad attitudes and poor communication skills to my CEO on numerous occasions. I always feel bad but it really creates a drag on our "team spirit" work environment when a couple of people are acting like total jackasses.

Seesaw

[lizardlady]

I think you were wise to address it with your supervisor. One of my co-workers seems to be one of those people who prefers being negative. It is wearisome to be around. I didn't say anything to management because I didn't want to make waves. Then she made a really nasty comment about the intern who works for me where the intern heard it. She went home in tears. I finally said something to our supervisor. He told me that everyone in the office had come to him individually to talk about the negativity. The person in question was spoken to about her attitude. Instead of taking what she was told and acting on it, she decided that everyone was out to get her. For my part, I've decided to separate myself from her negativity as much as I can. For my intern, I told her to use it as a learning experience because she is likely to run into the same shyte elsewhere. I suggested she be polite and professional with the person, but have as little interaction with her as necessary.

How did it go at work today?

[DechanDawa]

Okay, an update.

I went in today and Miss Mopey was nowhere to be seen. She was replaced by Miss Sunshine! It was like a miracle. This person's poor attitude shadowed her beauty. When she came in today her mood was upbeat. her hair was worn down and shining, she had a bit of make-up on, she was smiling...and she looked like a million bucks!

What happened??? Someone from management talked to her, I know. But they also must have listened to her and supported her. Maybe she had unaddressed issues that came out. I overheard her telling someone that she was getting her birthday off. Perhaps management expressed to her what a valuable employee she was and how much she had to offer.

She was upbeat and friendly with the customers today. She was extremely helpful to me in a very kind and gentle way. She was so positive I could have sworn I heard her humming as she worked! Someone must have listened to her.

I am really glad I brought this up with management. I don't know what the heck they did but teamwork and a positive environment was restored, and although hard the work day was great!

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

I think you were wise to address it with your supervisor. One of my co-workers seems to be one of those people who prefers being negative. It is wearisome to be around. I didn't say anything to management because I didn't want to make waves. Then she made a really nasty comment about the intern who works for me where the intern heard it. She went home in tears. I finally said something to our supervisor. He told me that everyone in the office had come to him individually to talk about the negativity. The person in question was spoken to about her attitude. Instead of taking what she was told and acting on it, she decided that everyone was out to get her. For my part, I've decided to separate myself from her negativity as much as I can. For my intern, I told her to use it as a learning experience because she is likely to run into the same shyte elsewhere. I suggested she be polite and professional with the person, but have as little interaction with her as necessary.

How did it go at work today?

I gave an update at the end of this thread so you will see I had a great day. I am sorry about your situation. That is usually how it goes in the workplace. I guess in my workplace the management is pretty proactive. Maybe that's why most all the employee are so happy and positive. Maybe this company has their back. In this environment I will always speak up. I think in your case you did the right thing but someone should be following up with that person. If I were you I'd do exactly as you have done...just keep my distance. The poor intern!

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by seesaw

I don't think it's wrong to report that behavior. Otherwise it doesn't get addressed and just multiplies. As long as you do it in a professional way, I don't see an issue with it. I have also had to report bad attitudes and poor communication skills to my CEO on numerous occasions. I always feel bad but it really creates a drag on our "team spirit" work environment when a couple of people are acting like total jackasses.

Seesaw

Well, it worked for me! (See my update.) No one likes to address a situation like this but putting up with it is worse. In my case the outcome was very positive.

I think it's good that you addressed her behavior! That's something not everyone has the guts to do. You seem like you are doing a lot better and not as overwhelmed about your job anymore. . Maybe it was just a rocky transition. You give me hope for myself. .

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by starrysky

I think it's good that you addressed her behavior! That's something not everyone has the guts to do. You seem like you are doing a lot better and not as overwhelmed about your job anymore. . Maybe it was just a rocky transition. You give me hope for myself. .

Well, yes, I think I was a real worst case scenerio about freaking out about work. Remember, I had an 18 month depression and got pretty isolated for about 18 months. By the grace of God I got accepted into this work situation. I had expected to look for months and months. It didn't seem like a good fit but now I am adjusting.

The advantages are....it is a big place with tons of people and there are many people to talk to and it has really brought me out of that socially inward place.

I work in food prep/selling/service and maybe secretly I knew I was a foodie...but now I am invited to be a foodie. It's glorious. I taste great food all day long. No worries about weight gain as I am running and on my feet all day.

One advantage of coming out of serious depression is that maybe I feel I can take risks. I just didn't want to work in a negative environment. I couldn't. So I complained.

Perhaps for now the job is a godsend. I think maybe everyone should give it a go at work if they so desire. No one could be more freaked out than I was and I appear to be surviving.

[Finniky]

That's great that her attitude turned around. And just like that, too? I'd have to say that's pretty impressive! Good for her.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by Finniky

That's great that her attitude turned around. And just like that, too? I'd have to say that's pretty impressive! Good for her.

I would also say pretty impressive of management. It seems they must of handled it well because she didn't come back with a chip on her shoulder. I am pretty impressed with this company's management teams.

This is my ranting and venting here, but it is of sympathy to what you're going through.

A workplace is a co-operation place.
I don't care what someone is going through in life - if he thrashes, stomps on people, cheats or takes other sorts of actions, especially by motives of self-interest, they don't deserve any recognition.
From my previous work place, I've learned this. My tolerance to these kind of people has been greatly lowered, and I feel like fighting those kind of people back. They don't deserve to thrive beyond the co-operatives.

Now for my suggestion:
Don't fear. Keep fighting her in whichever way is right. I'd advise you tell the supervisor her behavior makes you feel horrible, which disturbs and lowers your performance. You can also include others in the equation if they are also affected by the woman's behavior, which can make the supervisor see you as a very responsible worker who speaks in the name of others.