How do I deal with a MEAN COWORKER? :(

Question

I have worked at subway for almost 3 months, and there is this very holier-than-thou person that works there. She's a middle-aged lady and has apparently been there awhile. Last time I worked with her (she only comes in twice a week or so), she was quite rude to me and was very snotty. She insisted on telling me that I was making everything wrong (when in fact I was making everything CORRECT according to the subway chart). She wouldn't back down either!! She kept arguing and insisted that she was right!!! WTF. I can't work with somebody who acts like a little arrogant child. Anyway, I have to work with her tomorrow, and I don't know what to say if she gets all uppity and immature again. I don't want to cause any tension...anybody have any ideas on how to talk to her???

As far as I've heard, I'm the only person she's been this way towards. I was very nice when meeting her. :(

Answer 1

Yep - kill her with kindness.

Then if she tells you that you're making the sandwiches wrong, turn to her and say "While I really appreciate your feedback and good intentions, I would prefer to take direction from my manager - could you speak to him/her about this? Thanks for your help."

Then if she talks to the manager - explain not only what you've been doing, but explain her behavior in front of the customers and share your concern that she is creating an environment that's not very considerate of the people who are eating there. But make sure you do it without emotionalism. If you start saying accusing this lady of being a mess, you're the one who is going to look like the trouble maker.  

Answer 2

Oh, Oh, Oh, I love it when people call me arrogant, this makes me feel important.

I am arrogant, irrational, apathetic, and I have a fat huge monster ego. sometimes I'm Senseless, clumbsy, mean, rude, beautiful, impulsive, obssesive, manic and overly happy all at the same time. Smile. By the way, I love it.Everyone is always right when everyone else is oh so wrong. What's new?

Lets see, if I were you I would laugh and act extra nice everytime she tried to correct me. Smile. When she is rude or snotty, drop you're jaw and say, "WOW". Then change you're face and act nice again. She will hate it so bad.... Most likely, she'll say, "what", after you say wow. Just respond by saying "nothing" while smilling, maybe try complimenting her ugly attire.

Just reverse the tension. Don't get yourself all worked for her better pleasure..WTF

Answer 3

She's middle aged, works at Subway, and has to take her crappy life out on a teenager (or young adult)

That says a lot I think.

Next time she gives you c**p just show her the chart and say "see"

Answer 4

If you are doing as the chart says, I would take this issue up with the manager. Just tell him/her that you are getting conflicting information and you want to know which is right. This should not cause any hard feelings, and then you will know which way is right. Most likely the chart is right and she just got used to doing them her way. This way you will find out and she can stop harrassing you.

Answer 5

Kill her with kindness.

Be overly polite.  She will come off as the ignorant one.

If she keeps it up, have a talk with the manager.

Answer 6

the kill them w/ kindness never works for me..i have a sister like that, she works at a restaurant and thinks she's holier than thou and she's the only one doing things right!