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Disturbed on my daily job
5

Disturbed on my daily job

Disturbed on my daily job

(OP)
Hi All.

Just started on a new engineering job, love it and enjoy the work environment.
There is a colleague who don't stop coming to my desk bothering me, asking private/personal questions. The person does not seem to be very competent stating several times some job related comments not relevant or wrong.
Today things went a bit far, as this person started to criticize the company and people around were listening. I am sure it will have somehow negative impact on me and my start at the company, even if I don't share the same critics or idea. It maybe innocent attitude but I tend to assume it is mad and I don't want to be naïve.
This colleague even give a look my computer screen sometime and ask what I am doing exactly, what is the work progress status...etc.

I am not a beginner and normally have forged some thick skin, but I have to admit that currently I struggle to deal with such people, especially such people abuse from courtesy and politeness of others

Anyone can give me an advise please to fix this situation in a professional manner please.

Thanks in advance.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

Politely tell this person you are busy, and would like not to be disturbed.
If the behavior persists, mention to the offender that you would hate to have to report this to supervision.
If that does not work, then talk to your supervisor.
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

You could say something like:

"I am busy."
"I do not feel comfortable discussing private/personal issues with you, and even if I did, it is not appropriate to do so on company time."
"I mean you no harm, but I am not your friend."
"Please go away."
"Don't you have work to do?"

The other minions are watching and listening to how you deal with this person.
Do not be unkind, but do be firm.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

Could you put headphones on? Normally I wouldn't suggest it, but it might help to tell the story about not wanting to be disturbed without making it personal. "Sorry mate, I'm in the zone and just want to get some stuff done", headphones back on.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

Be a bit careful here. If you are new you need to feel your way in to the company culture. It could be that the person has done the same with everyone else and they have fended him off so that you are left as the last person in line he can bother. In that case your other colleagues will know what he is like and know what you are dealing with. On the other hand if he is popular and well liked you may alienate yourself if you are abrupt with him. Just try not to get drawn in and give neutral answers to his questions and hopefully he will get bored trying to talk to you.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

I would wager there's some sort of dtilted boy-girl dynamic on play.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

I had that issue with a really pushy person of the opposite gender. I'd head for the mens' room to get away, and I'd make sure the folks nearby heard me mention "sanctuary." It worked after a time.

Best to you,

Goober Dave

Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

Nowhere in there is mention of opposite genders - careful what you assume, folks.

Rotaryworld, I agree with berkshire and Mike. Tell the person you're sorry but you don't have time to talk right now. You can do this in a friendly yet professional way so as to not burn bridges. After you get the company vibe a bit, find out if people are more social at lunchtime or breaks, and join in.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

(OP)
Guys, thanks for the advices.

I have tried today to implement all that, saying for example I am busy or sorry I need to concentrate, I've been quite sharp.
Then I bring to that person from time to time a cup of coffee with a fake smile (preferably when other people are watching)...just to confuse things...It is so fake attitude...but what to do. Hope it will work out.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

in today's kinder, gentler world, 'opposite genders' is of decreasing relevance.

"Uh, excuse me, but I'm in the middle of a task."
"Excuse me, but I just started at this company. Compared to my last one, this place is paradise."

old field guy

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

If you want, that person to stop bothering you, skip the coffee, do not offer any encouragement.
You might mention, that talking about non work related subjects on company time, is stealing from the company,
and that you would hate to get in trouble for something like that especially as a new employee.

B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

Take Prozac. Then you will not care about anything.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

ivymike,
Perfect.
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

Employers generally know what is going on with employees. They cue into who works and who doesn't. My suggestion is whenever they show up--just keep working. Always be polite; always smile. You can even answer a couple of questions in a general way, but don't stop working on your project. They will soon realize you are into your work and quickly leave you alone. Remember, getting along with people is critical to your boss' happiness--but don't feed the trolls. Any employer who sees you working--even while someone is actively distracting you--will love you and give you bigger and better projects. Those are the employees I value the most.

David
:):):)

www.kirkhammotorsports.com

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

Besides the kinder, gentler approaches mentioned early, you could try the "Sod off, Baldrick!" approach. Just a thought.

RE: Disturbed on my daily job

Sorry for being blunt.
IMO, too many people these days are p*ssies and don't do much of anything to set someone straight. This over-sensitive world drives me crazy!
Just tell the guy you are busy and don't want to hear his negative BS. Just tell him the truth.
Too many people that never mature and need an eye-opener now and then.

Chris
SolidWorks 13
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

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