Why Do "We" Do This to Each Other?

Question

There's someone at my job who is determined to make themselves the @--hole for all seasons. He never turns acceptable work; items missing, unsigned or just wrong - and he's been here longer than me! When I corrected him a while ago, he seemed to be borderline sarcastic by over-enunciated his words and talking really loud. Lately, he is sarcastic and this morning moved onto evil. I don't interrupt his conversations when I need something and always end with 'please' and 'thank you' but mind you, we work for the government so funding is at priority one! Yesterday, he blabbed on the phone for 10 minutes while looking dead at me.

Mistakes happen I know but even when you return something for correction, it's only half done! In a meeting, there was opportunity to put him on full blast but I just stuck to the basics.

I just got this promotion and am on a long probation period. Had I stuck w/the private sector, there would not be a problem. Right now, I just stay very cordial and do not react to his ignorance.

Answer 1

I hate to say this because I worked for private sector and was on contract w/the government for almost 3 years....

I do not want to stereotype anyone in this world, but I can sympathize what you are saying.  It is a completely different world.  The risk of losing that type of job vs. private sector are apples and oranges.

You just have to realize you cannot change this person and clearly others "accept it" so you will to being at that job....you just have to figure out how you can do that w/o going insane. :)  You cannot change them; you can only change you......

I hope it works out for you.  Maybe you can figure out your own system to get through this w/o him being any the wiser.  That's always the best way any way!  i.e. not being annoyed and having a winning strategy w/o changing them! :)

Good luck.