HELP: My colleague is driving me crazy?

Question

I'm a temp and there are just the 2 of us secretaries here. The other one's permanent. I've only started this booking Monday of this week, but this woman keeps looking at my legs and waist and asks me what I eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I've been told that I'm doing a very good job here by the managers, but this permanent secretary keeps pointing out things that I somehow do in error, when really it's only minor things, as I haven't been here long enough to know the layout/general running of the office. The slightest 'wrong' thing I'll do, she pulls me up about. What can I do? I can do no right in her eyes. I don't know how to act around her, as I'm shy, sensitive and quiet.

Answer 1

A minor mistake is still a mistake.  I don't necessarily agree with anyone that said she's jealous or threatened by you.  If she was, I doubt that she'd correct you.  Look at it as she is showing you the ropes, letting you know what you need to do to get hired in.  You can be friendly without being buddy buddy with her.  Open up alittle to learn the goings on of the  office.  I'm sure after a couple weeks, you will be fine.

Answer 2

She is jealous of her position and worries because managers give you more attention and compliments.

You should "watch your back."  Don't play into her game but don't ignore it either.  Try to pay attention to what she is saying about you.  Ignore the obviously petty stuff but counter, to the people she tells, the harmful stuff.

She obviously wants you out of there.  If you are young, pretty and talented, that makes you a serious rival.  That's the curse of such good fortune.  Expect it, accept that, retort it, and carry on.

Answer 3

Wel ifyou have only been there for a week it is quite right of her to point out when you do things wrong, especially since you point out yourself that you don't know how things are done yet, no matter how minor they are.  How exactly are you able to ascertain that's she's looking at your legs and your waist?  And when she's asking what you had for breakfast lunch etc maybe she's just making conversation.  If you are going to temp for any period of time you will need to get over being so overly sensitive.  Nothing has happened!

Answer 4

Tell your temp agency that you want to be moved. It's your call.

Answer 5

I recon that she is worried about her job and finding fault with you helps her to make an impression. Take no notice just do what you are asked to do, and if she continues looking at you ask her if she has a problem, and just carry on...good luck

Answer 6

First I would like to address the fact that your position is still temporary. You may not be there tomorrow for whatever reason and it may not have anything to do with your abilities as an employee, thus saying something to a permanent employee is not your place nor is it necessary. Lastly if you are hired, the managers ultimately have the final say. There is no need for you to impress another secretary. Simply do your job in a professional and cordial manner.

Answer 7

Well, she's obviosuly feeling threatened and insecure. Presumably you are young, and you probably remind her that she isn't.

I know it sounds like hollow advice, but just ignore it. Really, just ignore it. She'll stop eventually when she's got to know you properly. I know that's easy for me to say, since I'm not the one undergoing it all, but trust me - that's all you have to do.

To Bill - You bet, fella!

Answer 8

Ignore her!  She is not your boss, do you job to the best of your ability and if need be talk to the temp agency that hired you.  They may be able to give you further advice.  Sometimes people have nothing better to do then to watch and critiques others.  Smile and do your best!!

Answer 9

durulz...what a brown noser

Answer 10

Perhaps just simply asking her for help (even if you don't really need it) now and then through the day will make her think she is still needed and stop her feeling insecure.

When she pulls you up for mistakes, thank her for it, like she is doing you a favour.  If she is genuinely being nice, she will feel appreciated and if she is being mean, she will stop doing it because it is not having the desired effect.