Problems with a colleague

[Doingitaloneandproud]

Hi All,

I'm just after any thoughts/advice etc. I started a role at the start of the year, it's a split employee/contractor company and I am a contractor. I got told the other week my contract is being extended-yay!(they run yearly and get renewed so to speak in November/December)
I've also had a shift in my job role, so I do the same thing but I'm responsible for being the main contact for the biggest department. I'm really enjoying it, loving the work and interaction with the people.
One person in my team is causing me problems. I've been ignored now for 2 days straight by her, when I asked to be copied into emails as I need them I got a hissy fit and how it's getting ridiculous now. I didn't rise to it and said if you forget it's not a problem, and understandable.
My manager is away until end of next week, I have sent her an email and asked for a team meeting to state what is going on. If they want me to drop being the main contact I will but the VP of that department and the MD of the company have been giving great feedback so I don't know if they'll want it.
I'm just not sure what to do, it's a horrible atmosphere, I'm feeling miserable about it and I can't figure out what I've done wrong! Any advice please?!

What an unpleasant situation. Is there another manager you can go to? I find the best way to deal with a stupidly unreasonable person is to circumvent them - ie don't try and reason with an unreasonable person and find someone who will just tell them to do their job properly.

At least your manager is back soon so it's only a week.

In the mean time, keep a list of all the things she's been petulant about.

Why would you be even thinking about dropping that responsibility?

Also why tell this person it's ok if they forget? You basically have them an out.

It's a reasonable request. I wouldnt, request to discuss this in a team meeting, as a first stop. I assume by team you mean your manager, VP and MD. I dont think there is any need to involve all them, at this point.

If you mean you, your manager and a team of colleagues including this person, I would say definitely dont do that. Mediation may be a good way of doing it, but not like this.

You say this person is in your team? Are you talking a peer or someone you manage?

Thank you both for replying - sorry I've been logged out all weekend! She ended up being nice again on Friday but it's just too temperemental, she has a tendancy to react and then say 'oh I throw my toys out the pram all the time' but it's so often!
I'm definitely keeping a list - it's been raised before with the manager and has now said she is seeing things for herself too.
I offered to drop it to difuse the situation but you are right and I shouldn't give it up, I enjoy it and its benefiting the company and one of the hardest departments to please!
By team meeting I meant the two colleagues I work alongside (so the team member in question and another) and then the manager. I wouldn't ask the VP or MD to get involved :) I will speak to my manager one on one and see how she wants to proceed with it I think, I'm just keeping my head down and doing my work - I can't be dealing with pettiness or childish behaviour; it's work and I do really love my job!

Thank you both so much for your advice - it is really appreciated

Hi op. I am glad you arent dropping.

Out first point of call is to speak to your manager. Not just jump straight to a team meeting. Feel free to ask for their advice and guidance on how to proceed.

Good luck the hardest part of work is difficult colleagues, in my opinion.

@Ilikethisone Thank you, Yeah I'm not going too. I got this absolutely ridiculous comments again yesterday and that I am spoon feeding that department so it's going well! You are so right, It is all about the colleagues, funny thing is shes getting so many complaints about her attitude but thinks she is untouchable

Roll on Thursday - the manager is back, and now on Friday I'm being left alone as she's decided to take holiday when the other team member is off. I don't even mind not having a lunch for the sake of the quiet without her!

Give someone enough rope....