UPDATE at bottom: HELP ME how to put a NEW annoying worker in her place?

I have a new colleague who sits 2 cubes away. I am training her on how to do her job. She still asks a LOT of questions, but I do think she'll catch on soon.

I was talking to someone about an issue. Newbie came over and butted into the conversation and started making all of these suggestions. I just stood there and looked at her. She didn't go away.

Finally I just said, 'okay, I can't get into this right now.' So, the original person whom I needed to speak to left.

Newbie does this ALL the time. Even when I'm training her, she will disagree with me, spend a lot of time arguing about how SHE wants to do things. I really do have a lot of work to do. She wastes a HUGE amount of my time. When I try to end the 'conversation' I can see by the look on her face that she's upset.

Today, for the first time, I mentioned it to our boss. But, he is SO non-confrontational it's crazy. I know that he's not going to say anything to Newbie because he never 'corrects' anyone.

I really need to say something to NEWBIE because I feel like I'm losing credibility because of her butting in all the time and making suggestions (whicha are bad ones, at that).

What do I say? I am really trying to be sensitive because she is new, but I am also very angry and this needs to stop happening.


***so, we had our chat. I reviewed the actual issue at hand (just for her information). Then, I said that we all have to make sure that if there is an issue that one of us is working out with another person, we all have to be careful to leave it to THOSE people to work out the issue. I used yesterday as an example and said that when there are too many chickens in the coop, nothing can get done. I said that I know we are all guilty of tossing a comment around the office now and then, but we do have to be careul to let each person work out the issues and not get ourselves involved. And, then I said that I was really frustrated yesterday because I was only trying to address 1 thing, but that 4 people got involved when it only should have been 2. She seemed to understand. So, let's see what happens

the IT guy here does that all the time- and hes very nosey! i hate it! ill just put on my headset and pretend im making a call. he still has not stopped. he will just butt into my conversations.

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Posted by Preshy7

the IT guy here does that all the time- and hes very nosey! i hate it! ill just put on my headset and pretend im making a call. he still has not stopped. he will just butt into my conversations.

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What is REALLY pissing me off is that this girl is BRAND NEW and is telling me how I should be doing things. She is aware that I am training HER and not the other way around...

I would probably say something snotty! Like, 'Yeah ok, why don't you go try it that way, I will do it my way, the right way and actually get it done.'
But thats not a very good suggestion for you.

personally, i don't see the problem

i think it shows initiative and creativity to make suggestions, push back and ask questions

This is a tough situation but try to explain to her that you are training her on the way things are NOW. Once she is up to speed on the job, she can make suggestions or changes as she sees fit (it will be her responsibility and if her changes are not successful, it will reflect on her, not you).

Have patience and good luck.

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Posted by don424

personally, i don't see the problem

i think it shows initiative and creativity to make suggestions, push back and ask questions

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I agree, but when she disagrees, she uses very negative words and tones (which makes it an agrument instead of a conversation)

And, I don't think it's appropriate for her to walk into my converations with other people and take them over (especially when she is brand new and doesn't actually know what's she's talking about- this was a discussion about a client's specific situation- a situation that she doesn't even know about)

Because she didn't have any actual information to share, I would have appreciated that she make her comments directly to me (after I got my work finished). Now I still have to resolve this issue at another time because I ended the conversation.

I just got off the phone with my colleague and she completely agrees.

I'd have a conversation with her. I'd tell her that I appreciate that she's trying to be creative and show initiative but that she still in training and that it does not look good for her to be giving opinions especially when the conversation is not with her. I'd tell her if you have any suggestions as you hear any conversations, you may ask me since I'm providing the training for you right now. Later on as you become acquainted with the systems and processes, you are more than welcome to voice your opinions and your suggestions to others.
I think she would get the point. The only thing is when you speak to her, you must do it calmly and very professionally.
If she doesn't get the message, then next time she interrupts a conversation that is not with her, I'd let her know that the conversation is not with her and that the matter that it's been discussed at hands pertains only to the person you are talking to and you.

Yeah I think it's time for a b!tch-slappin'.....uh, I mean a good heart-to-heart
People like that need to be set straight right away.

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Posted by Anniegrl

People like that need to be set straight right away.

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Either you do it at the beginning or they will never take you seriously...
And the slapping would definitely work..too bad we can't use those means.....
That will make her react.

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Posted by suven

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Posted by don424

personally, i don't see the problem

i think it shows initiative and creativity to make suggestions, push back and ask questions

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I agree, but when she disagrees, she uses very negative words and tones (which makes it an agrument instead of a conversation)

And, I don't think it's appropriate for her to walk into my converations with other people and take them over (especially when she is brand new and doesn't actually know what's she's talking about- this was a discussion about a client's specific situation- a situation that she doesn't even know about)

Because she didn't have any actual information to share, I would have appreciated that she make her comments directly to me (after I got my work finished). Now I still have to resolve this issue at another time because I ended the conversation.

I just got off the phone with my colleague and she completely agrees.

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well with that, i agree, there's a way to do it professionally and she isn;t

oh I can relate to that today my co-worker was sooo i wanted to take off tomorrow for work because Dh is getting his tooth pulled and a flipper i guess thats what you call it in place of the tooth because i know the one boss will give me a hard time so i dtretched the truth to her and said that i wouldn't be able to get out eraly tomorrow so i am taking off. sooo what does she do goes in to the office and tell the boss that why cant Roseann leave early why does she have to take off to bring her husband to a surgeon at12:30 ohh is was so p-od so i said to her in the first place you have no Right to go in the office and tell the boss that and she goes well i was trying to help you and I said I dont need your help i can take care of my self and i did not talk to her for the rest of the day But i compromised with my boss and i am leaving at 10:30 am which is fine but still she was in the wrong. My fault in telling her But i told my boss she has no right coming in here and complain about what i do i am doing my work she is not the boss. and he said take it up with her and thats when i said to what i wrote above. so all i can say is go to the boss or call your union! good luck.

shameless bump.

I am going to have a talk with her tomorrow morning but I'm totally stressing because I am pretty sure that her response is going to be her usual, 'Yeah, but I just think I should (insert: invade your personal space whenever I want) so that's what I'll do'

There probably is a certain amount of nervousness and self-consciousness on her part in terms of being the new girl and wanting to fit in - but I agree, she is not behaving appropriately.
I would let her know your feelings - but nicely and professionally - I dont think it's time for the beyotciness - I say that as someone who is at a new job (temporary) and about to start a new one soon!

If it continues, I would probably just go to my supervisor at that point for some assistance.
Good luck!