How should I have handled this situation at work?

Question

I was covering the reception desk at lunch. A lady came in with a request and I sent her to where I've been trained to tell people to go.

About 20 minutes later, a coworker of mine came out with the client and started yelling at me (in front of the client) and asking why I gave her the information I did. I explained to her what I've been told to do in that particular situation, and my coworker kept questioning me (agressively/sarcastically and whatnot).

After the client left, I went in the back and talked to my coworker. I told her NEVER to talk to me like that again in front of anyone, and that if she had a problem with me she should talk to me in private.

Did I do the right thing, or should I just have let it go? This same coworker gave me attitude just last week when I asked her something, and I let it go. I figured telling her off will make her stop treating me like that again... or should I just have kept my mouth shut?

Answer 1

Yes you did the right thing.  You may have been incorrect in giving her that information but under NO circumstances are you to inform a customer/client of a mistake like that.  That was completely unprofessional in that circumstances.  A coworker needed to be privately informed of her attitude.  I would also verify with my super that the policy you followed is still in effect--just to verify that you did the right thing.  Plus if you were wrong, he can inform you of the new policy for next time you cover the desk.

But a coworker can not be allowed to act like that and if she does it again or says something to you about how dare you give her the right--contact a super.  She should not be allowed to lose her temper in front of clients nor to use humiliation like that as a way to boost her own career.  You don't want to get into a grudge match with this coworker so don't be afraid to go over her head.