Youve got problems, Ive got advice.
This advice isnt sugar-coatedin fact, its sugar-free, and may even be a little bitter.
Welcome to Tough Love.
This week we have someone whos struggling with a crappy coworker who seems to be holding all the cards.
I simply want to give you the tools you oughta enrich your damn lives.
If for whatever reason you dont like my advice, feel free tofile a formal complaint here.
Now then, lets get on with it.
In fact, I have seniority.
My department head doesnt really like getting her hands dirty, and tends to avoid issues of conflict.
Id go to HR, but they are outsourced and technically, no rules are being broken.
Im stuck on how to proceed.
Stuck in Nowhere Land
Hey Stuck in Nowhere Land:
This grief-bringing gal isgood.
Because shes got leverage, and you have none.
But its not over, Stuck.
She doesnt get to win if you dont let her.
First,go to HR anyway!Yes.
Get these complaints down on record so theyre official.
In fact, have everyone complain about her.
Then bye bye Barbara (thats her name in my head).
Once youve done that, you have a few options on how to proceed.
Fake your way to being her pal so you could at least work in peace.
If you cant beat her, join her.
Shes not a super-villain, shes a sad jerk that works in your office.
If she tells you to do things, refuse until she changes her tone and asks nicely.
The truth is, this woman is just a run of the mill bully.
And bullies get all of their power fromyou.
Stop playing the victim, Stuck, and fight fire with fire.
She does all this crap because she can get away with itso stop letting her!
She doesnt have to like you, but as a coworker, she does have to respect you.
