How do I deal with a co-worker?

I閳ユ獡 at a loss as to what to do regarding a co-worker situation. I work in a very small office there閳ユ獨 a total of 7; with 3 of us in the front office. We閳ユ獫e recently hired a new employee, she閳ユ獨 the youngest (20 years old) married with a young child, she閳ユ獨 been here for 3 months now. She閳ユ獨 very nice and sweet although not that bright. Her biggest fault is that she閳ユ獨 forgetful, she doesn閳ユ獩 pay attention to details and a motormouth. We work in a doctor閳ユ獨 office and so those qualities are highly desirable, I閳ユ獡 sure some would even say mandatory.

I閳ユ獫e tried to rectify the solution by verbally telling her each time, she forgets to do something and then by making her a list that she can look at everyday but neither of those has worked. She keeps forgetting and now I閳ユ獡 just picking up the slack by doing all of her work, or double checking her work because I閳ユ獡 tired of telling her, she doesn閳ユ獩 remember it anyway. She閳ユ獨 also constantly on MySpace or talking incessantly; if 2 people are having a conversation, she閳ユ獟l jump in and somehow make the conversation about her. I used to have peaceful and quiet mornings before patients come in to get all my work done and now I just have a headache but she閳ユ獨 chattering so much. She閳ユ獨 also constantly asking me the same questions on office processes day after day.

At any point, I閳ユ獡 starting to resent the fact that she閳ユ獨 here, particularly since I閳ユ獡 doing most of her work as well as my own (with time to spare, I might add). I閳ユ獫e been here for over a year. And she makes $1 less than me. I hate to say it but I閳ユ獫e considered just not doing any of her work and letting her hang herself, but that would hurt patients. I閳ユ獫e considered writing everyday of work I閳ユ獫e done for her but that just seems petty and I閳ユ獡 worried if I speak with the office manager that I閳ユ獟l look petty. She was hired on the recommendation of the office manager閳ユ獨 husband.

At this point, I閳ユ獡 thinking about quitting because she annoys me so much and that make me angry as well, since I like it here. I just don閳ユ獩 know what to do. Am I being petty? And if not, how would you recommend that I get this fixed?

How do I deal with a co-worker?

First, accountability is one of the most important components of working with other people. So, my recommendation to you is that you be accountable for your job and your job alone.

You are enabling her by doing her work. Stop doing her work.

The next thing, is there a procedure manual for your office?

If not, create one and give it to her.

Third, there is no reason for you to not communicate when "success is in jeopardy." Especially when it comes to impacting patients. You have a responsibility to talk to the Office Manager. How you say it is very important. You don't need to be petty in your approach.

How do you communicate an issue to your employer?

1. Communicate what is going on. Be professional. Don't communicate your personal feelings, communicate what is not happening within the scope of the job. If there is an expectation that she handle specific duties and those duties are not getting done or completed, leave them and allow the office manager to see for herself that those duties are not complete. You don't have to point them out, you just "mind your own business" and let the chips fall where they may.

Lastly, if she is on the internet, or talking too much, or whatever her quirks may be, there is nothing you can do about those things. You can only control how you respond to situations. That is about it.

In the end, don't quit your job over an irresponsible, uncompetent employee. Speak up when success is in jeopardy and focus on the job you are there to do!! Have fun in the process!!

Darlene

Interview Guru

www.interviewchatter.com

How do I deal with a co-worker?

Since it seems as if you've been made responsible for her, try putting her off on another employee. I know that sounds bad, but try getting another employee to work closely with her. Sometimes, different people get different responses/reactions. That way, you don't have to worry about doing your work and her work too.

You've done a good job and have put forth great effort to get her going thus far. I think you might also want to try doing less and less of her work over time. Also, stop reminding her so frequently. Eventually, she will hang herself or step up to the challenge.

How do I deal with a co-worker?

This is a chance for you to become a better person. She needs guidance and you can be the one to do it and come out looking good to others around you! First, she is young, flighty, and not too concerned about others - give her little boosts of confidence e.g. "You really look professional and ready for the day today!" or "I've noticed what a good listener you are lately, and that really makes my job easier, thank you!" Secondly, tell her you plan on having a busy day, or you are feeling tired today, and would she remember to do... so you don't have to worry about it. Then thank her at the end of the day. You are in a situation that can be difficult, but if you come along beside her, she may someday see you as a wonderful co-worker and mentor - which will help your job career, and you.

How do I deal with a co-worker?

Document, document, document. Whenever you bump into a troubling boss, employee, or co-worker you document every move they make. In some ways it is therapeutic, but try to avoid emotion from the document as this can often make you look bad.

With that documentation, make sure you also list each and every time you have had to correct her, remind her, fix her work, etc.

Once you are satisfied that there is enough documentation that the office manager may act, bring it to your office manager's attention and justify the documentation by saying something to the effect that you started this once you realized how all these little things keep adding up to big problems.

If you office manager scoffs at you and blames you, perhaps it is time to find a new job. I say this not because of your co-worker, but if your boss is unwilling to act against a problem employee despite all the evidence you present, it really only spells bad things in the future for that place. It is a place you don't want to work.

I hope this helps.