What would you do about an overbearing co-worker?

Question

I have a co-worker (a.k.a. Supervisor) that has worked at the company less time than me. I have been at the company 10 years and she has been there 5. She is in about her 50's and I am in my 30's. I work in a division of the business that is a pivotal point of all the business handled at our location. I am (more simply put) a one person department. Because I handle my own affairs and produce my fair share of business in a day, take care of my own files, have my own schedule and contacts, I think this coworker is jealous. Regardless, she began pulling rank on me not to long ago and stating that her position within the company was 3rd in the chain of command and my position is 4th in the chain of command. So now she has taken away my ability to make my own schedule as to what proceeds what within the work day...I still arrive and leave at the same time each day. She has screwed up my daily routine so badly that now I get in trouble if I do not do something in the order she prescribes. I don't understand her need to micromanage me and like I said I think its jealousy that I am a one person department. But my point is I was doing fine, keeping up with the work flow, producing what I needed to in terms of daily work sent out and I have a good rapport with the accounts and clientele. Now my ability to speak to clients freely is hampered. I don't have the same opportunity as I did before which was if a question needed to be asked all I had to do was pick up the phone and call the client...now I have to go through this "supervisor" she then determines if a call is necessary and if so....she personally makes the call for me and brings me the details. I feel like I am being babysat. I took my complaint to management and all management did was "talk" to her. Now she has come down harder on me...because obviously she knows I spoke to management. I don't like how she treats me and talks down to me as if I am some pion in the company. I know what I am doing and I do my job well. If she wants my position so badly then why doesn't she apply for it like I had to do? God knows my department could use another person. Any suggestions as what to do about this woman? I am sick of having to even ask permission before leaving for a break or using the toilet. I'm not in elementary school anymore and this is getting ridiculous.

Answer 1

I would try speaking to her directly. When speaking to her remember to remain calm, speak slowly and stay on topic. Do not make any personal remarks about her, just stay focused on the business aspect. Discuss the duties of your job and why you feel the way you were operating was more productive. Ask her why she has decided to make changes to your daily routine and why how she feels these changes are better for business. It may be possible that a few her suggestions would help increase your productivity.

It does seem like this co-worker is acting in a mean-spirited way, but you should be the bigger person. If you show this person respect by sitting them down and discussing this, they may change their view of you.

If my previous suggestions don't seem to work, I would also suggest asking point blank, if there is something that you have done to upset her. Say you want to have a good working relationship and want to know if there is anything you can do to improve it.

It is most probable that your co-worker doesn't dislike you, she is unhappy with herself. Unhappy people like to lash out at others and try to bring them down to their level. Instead of being mad at people like this, feel sorry for them and try to cheer them up.

While being the bigger person now may require you to swallow your pride a bit, it will reward you in the long run.

If talking to the co-worker is not successful, then you should talk to her supervisor again. You should ask the supervisor if you are required to report to this co-worker. If so, maybe the supervisor could put someone else in charge of your department. When talking to the supervisor your main focus should be on how this employees actions is effecting your overall productivity and profitability for the company.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

if at all possible have a meeting with your management and her and if that does not resolve the problem ask for a transfer.