Unpleasant collegue

[duracellbatterybunny]

I joined a company 3 years ago and hold a middle management position. A member of staff (same status, different dept.) has always been unfriendly, i.e. refusal to say 'good morning' or 'please and thank you' She has previously made a threat to me indirectly, which was relayed to me by my line manager and a member of staff. This person seems very influential to other members of staff (maybe because they are frightened of being treated the same way) Sick of the hostile environment this person has cultivated. Any suggestions on how to proceed?

She has previously made a threat to me indirectly, which was relayed to me by my line manager

That's awful. What did your line manager do about it?

Nothing, line manager told me about the threat. Said this person was difficult, but no action taken.

Then your line manager is incompetent.

How brave do you feel about asking for a meeting with HR?

Line manager has now changed. This all happened a while ago, but the atmosphere lives on!

Well, if I were you I would ask your current line manager to help you sort it out and/or ask for an appointment with HR.

People at work should treat each other professionally, and with courtesy and respect.

No one should have to deal we this. You're an adult this is not school and there should be no 'mean girls/boys'. Don't put up with this shit, talk to your new line manager and insist they tackle this issue

The management know she is a problem, but nothing will happen until someone is brave enough (this is you OP ) to grasp the nettle and raise a grievance.

Personally I would speak to your Line Manager and say are giving them the opportunity to do something done informally (i.e. she gets pulled in for a chat about her attitude - if she has got an ounce of sense she will realise this could just be the tip of the iceberg unless she sorts her crap out). If you do not notice a significant improvement in the atmosphere consider raising a grievance under your "bullying and harassment policy" and tell them this will be your next step, so face ache is under no illusion that it's a serious matter. Investigating formal grievances is hugely time consuming for managers and HR - if they play it right, they'll put enough wind up her in the informal meeting to nip it in the bud there and then.

Put up with what you've always put up with and you'll get what you always got. Good luck.

Put up with what you've always put up with and you'll get what you always got.
Thanks MaidenDevon, thats what i always tell others, need to follow my own advice!!!

I hate people like this! I have met a fair few people who are so far up their own arseholes they think it is beneath them to say good morning or have the good grace to be polite and courteous. It infuriates me because having manners cost nothing. Making threats is definately not acceptable. I hope you can find the courage to stand up to her. People like this need taking down a peg or two!

"Put up with what you've always put up with and you'll get what you always got. " I like this line!

I would be calm and objective, do you directly have to work with her? If so, do your job professionally and ignore her the rest of the time. Do not pussyfoot around her. Remember it is her problem and not yours!

Has she directly made a threat to you? If not, I don't think you can do anything, as it will be a case of he said/she said.

Everywhere I have worked, there have always been a couple of people who are difficult. It's life I am afraid. I just think someone has to be the adult in this situation and in this case it is me.

Good luck - remember you can go home and she is stuck with her attitude 24/7

Thanks Chottie, I agree as the threat was indirectly relayed to me I don't want to get into a he said/she said. Love the bit about her being struck with her attitude 24/7. I do feel superior being able to ignore her unless I have to!

How is everything Duracell?

Hostile, to be honest. Had to hand her some papers the other day during training session, she just snatched them and walked off. Would like to confront her but don't feel up to anymore conflict. Have used an avoid strategy, but have a feeling that due to mgt changes this is not going to be sustainable.