| Topic Name: |
Verbally Abusive Coworker |
| Message Name: |
Verbally Abused by Coworker |
| Date Posted: |
06/09/2004 |
| In Reply To: |
I am a new hire and had to ask my coworker, who is handing over his project to me, a question. He didn't let me finish or get a word into the conversation, and then started screaming at me in front of our peers. He always wants to leave early, and today was no different. Having a question five minutes before his departure any other time is something I would normally save for the next day; however, this was an emergency and only something he would know---as a new employee, I would not.
When my shift ended, I went to my car and started crying. This is something I have never done, but I was so humiliated in front of my coworkers. As a new hire from a corporation into a government setting, I am having an already hard-enough time adjusting...advice on how to handle this? |
| Message: |
Word Diva:
This is certainly a bad position to be in, especially as a new team member.
I would give it a couple of days to settle down - to get past the emotional side of the situation.
Wait for an opportunity to ask if he has a moment to talk privately. Avoid a confrontational or accusatory tone of voice, otherwise he may turn into the Tasmanian Devil. Let him know that you think the two of you may have gotten off on the wrong foot and would like to find a way to work more effectively together. Deal with the situation firmly, but nicely and without dramatics. If he gets nasty or rude, just deal with it professionally and focus on the issue. If you react with anger or emotion, it will make matters worse.
The time to deal with this situation is now (or early in the working relationship), with a combination of politeness, firmness, and limit setting.
If it continues to happen, take your issue to the next level - management.
This is just the way I would try to handle the situation. I'm sure other people will share their suggestions.
Good luck to you!
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