Why is he asking me all these questions?

Question

I work under one of the officer and he is not my supervisor. I have my own supervisor. I am just his clerk. He is fairly new to his position and I have been here for two years. Recently he brought up the subject that my phone line rings more than his. We have connected phone lines. He brought this up to me four times already. Today was the fourth time. He said, "I want to pick a fork with u...how come your phone line rings more than mine"....I was pissed at him so i told him,"Well, my job is pretty busy and if you'd like you can help me, you can pick up those calls". He just laughs and didn't have say a thing. What was he trying to say? How should I approach him next time he brings this issue up? I hardly have any friends call at work so most of my calls are work related. But it seems as though he thinks I am socializing and fooling around at work. On another note, before he leaves for the day, he said, "I don't know what your job is or what you do all day, but I am glad we're on the same team and I am glad your such a wonderful worker". What does he mean? Should I bring this up to my supervisor or tell him what is his problem? Help me before I explode and say something mean to him... :(

Answer 1

i think that with him being the new guy, he's just trying to find some common ground with you. just a little conversation during the day.  i think he honestly is complimenting you.  and as far as the phone calls, i think he's just commenting on the fact that you are always busy.  honey, pick another battle, i don't think there's one here.

Answer 2

why would you explode if someone calls you a 'wonderful worker' - it sounds like you are looking for something to start a fight over with very little provocation.  If you go forward with this, make sure it is a fight you will win.  I recommend that before 'explode' you take a few minutes to consider why you are so offended over such little things.  it could help you deal with this in a professional manner that does not impact badly on your record.

Answer 3

Just joke around with him, don't be afraid to speak up to him but you can do it in a joking way not in a mad way.

Answer 4

RELAX! He is just joking around..joke back with him.

Answer 5

It is very frustrating when someone is sending you mixed messages.  If he says again that you phone rings too much, ask him what is he trying to say by that?  Don't be accurate, just tell him you would like to understand what he is asking.

I don't understand why he would make a statement saying he does not know what you do all day.  If he says that again, tell him you are willing to show it to him so he can understand what you do.

I'm not sure what the set up is, it sounds weird to me as I'm not familiar with it, but open communication is always good.

Answer 6

It might be that he is trying to find some connection or something to talk to you about....in an awkward sort of way.  He may be trying to figure out exactly what your role is in the company and your responsibilities.  He is new and he is someone you probably want to make friends with rather than enemies.  Why not just take what he says at face value and start a conversation with him?  The guy may just be looking to understand the company more.  Everyone knows that the person who is the busiest and has the most calls/emails is usually the person who knows the most about what goes on around the office and in the business.

Answer 7

I think he's being honest, really. It sounds like he's both having a little fun with you (joking around) and also seriously complimenting your work.