So what would you do in this situation?

[Jenzebelle]

there's a work situation going on that I was wondering how others would react to.

Let's say you have an acquaintance that has been unbelievably snippy lately. This person is normally kind of a B*** even on a good day, but lately she's been a lot worse.

Her mood is affecting you and those around you, but you are not close enough to feel comfortable emailing or asking her what's wrong. And if you did ask, you'll probably get your head bitten off.

What would you do? Kill her with kindness? Avoid her as much as possible? risk losing your head and ask what's wrong? Or tell her to get over herself?

 

[debster812]

omg Jenzebelle--do you work in my office??? You have just described my situation exactly.

I would go with the avoidance tactic for a bit.

Good Luck

 

[caitycaity]

if i thought of the person as a friend, i would ask her what was wrong.

if i didn't like her i'd probably just avoid her. if it was not a work situation, i would tell her what i really thought of her.

 

[Beauty]

hummm

I think it would depend on just how closely I had to be to her every day. If I didn't work near or with her all that much then I would just ignore her.....but if she was someone who I had tons of contact with then I would be blunt and tell her to get over herself in as nice a way as possible.

 

[Bumbles]

I'd say just give her (((hugs)))

 

[RoutemanDan]

Tell her to get over herself.Then throw in a Zing for good measure.

 

[Jenzebelle]

I'm waiting until she really sets me off.
After much deliberation, I decided that the martyr act she pulls after she's chastised is so much worse than the snippiness.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I agree with the {{HUG}}. Sometimes people have situations outside of work that affect their whole being. I don't think being snippy or rude back is the answer. I know you shouldn't bring home issues to work but sometimes it does happen.

 

[Rajah]

Since I don't like confrontation, I'd go the avoidance route personally.

 

[tiggerlover]

She sounds like someone I know and there is no pleasing or changing someone like this. My approach would be to kill her with kindness, something totally unexpected....maybe a small plant or flower or even a Starbucks coffee or something, the more unexpected the better, throws people like that off kilter some times and then you are able to reach past the exterior front.

Good luck.

 

[pollyanna]

((Pollyanna llooks around for Jenz)) Are you in my office today?

Today my "know-it-all", been in the biz forever,perfectionist co-worker really "laid in to" the new girl &she left in tears. I told MS Know -it-all, when she started to justify her meaness, that she wasn't this girl's supervisor and she shouldn't have said what she did, She bristled, and went to her desk and we're both avoiding each other.Made me SOOO mad....you can instruct and correct someone without downright meaness.

 

[holycow]

sounds like you work with my sister...
Good luck!~

HC

 

[CookieGVB]

Avoidance works...until they come and be snippy on your front doorstep. Then it's time to say something.

Or...continue avoidance, and say what you REALLY feel about somene on an internet BB!

 

[aprincessmom]

I'm a kill them with kindness person for the most part. But with people who are habitually nasty, I do it to tick them off even more. It's like a twisted game of revenge.

For those not so habitually inclined to nastiness it helps shake them out of their mood and move on.

Whatever you chose, good luck!

 

[minniecarousel]

A friend of mine just couldn't stand her co-worker and finally put in for a transfer. The nasty co-worker assumed she'd get the job when my frined left - but she didn't! The witch will have to learn to deal with a new person (who is at a somewhat higher position, but not quite her boss.) Serves her right!
I'd ignore the person as best you can!