A colleague of mine?

Question

gave me alot of work to do at the last moment before a major appointment as the peron who was organising it was off sick, and I did 2 hours work for him on my day off and the appointment was a success. After the appointment I said, "do not worry, I will ask you to do something for me, and give you it at the last moment" but meant it as a joke, and the person got really upset and angry and listed all the things he has done for me. Was I rude to say that?

Answer 1

The wording came out wrong even though you didn't mean any harm.  Just a quick apology should fix it.

Answer 2

Yes. that kind of statement could be taken as a rude comment. It implies you weren't happy about the situation, You could explain that you meant nothing by it and it was just a bad joke. The sooner you get that over with, the better!

Answer 3

It was a little rude, but understandable.  I do side with you sympathetically, but realize in the professional world that was not the best thing to say to a co worker or superior.  

On the other hand, he shouldn't have gone off on you when you said that.  So I just think it was an akward situation for both of you.  Deep down inside you didn't appreciate his actions and accidentally let it show... you're human.  An apology may go a long way in this case.

But we all make mistakes... Kudos for you for stepping up, you just learned a lesson.... :)

Answer 4

It was a rude thing to say. When being sarcastic, you must be careful to say things in a different tone, so that the other person can recognize that you are joking. Or just say it with a smile.

Answer 5

It came over all wrong and the fact that this person got so annoyed makes me wonder if in the past he/she has helped you out? At the very least I think this person deserves an explanation from you.

Answer 6

Yes, I think it was rude.  And, if he was giving YOU work, he has a position over you, and you sould keep snotty opinions to yuorself and suck it up.