My very annoying colleague!!!

[angel21]

I am the most junior in the office so obviously I am going to be the one taking the orders. I let my colleague order me about most of the time and I will just say yes sir no sir kinda thing and just get on with it. However, occasionally I like to try and use my initiative (as I thought this was a good thing) and notice when things need doing before I am asked. So, when I notice something needs doing I will say 'I'll phone Joe Bloggs'. My colleague then has this really annoying thing of repeating what I say and turning it into a question to make it look like he has asked me to do what I have just said I will do. So, for example I have said 'I'll phone Joe Bloggs' and my colleague will say 'If you phone him then'
Sort of like a statement question. Or if I say 'I'll send a fax to him' he will say 'send a fax and see what he says'. I find it really irritating that he has to take everything I say I'm going to do and repeat it in a question style to make it look like he has asked me to do this. If I said to most people 'I'll just go and get that file' most people would say ok thanks but he has to say 'If you go and get the file and bring it here then we can have a look you see'

I think its some sort of power trip or something.

[oldmegan]

To be honest, angel21, I doubt very much that your colleague realises what they are doing and how much it is irritating you. If they do, then it sounds to me as though it is some sort of lack of self confidence issue in them. If I were you, I would just carry on regardless, doing the best job you can. If you have any sort of staff report, annual review etc, then that might be your chance to raise the topic, diplomatically, along the lines of, I sometimes feel you don't have much confidence in my ability to carry out certain tasks. I worked in an office for over 40 years and believe me there are a thousand worse, more revolting and stressful habits your work colleagues can display!! Good luck.

[angel21]

It's just so irritating!!!
lol

[cassa333]

Don't tell him your going to do it (unless you have to), just get on with it then at some point when is trying to look big and asks you to phone joe bloggs you can say I'v done that and it's all sorted. At some point he will get the idea that you can do a good job on your own or he will show himself up in front of people he is trying to impress.

[angel21]

oldmegan - I am intrigued now. What were these revolting and stressful habits?

cassa333 - I think they like me to check with them before I do anything a lot of the time but maybe they don't mind anymore so much. It is sometimes things like if colleague is on phone talking to a client I feel like I could use initiative and get the file but then I don't know if he does need it or not and don't know if I should interupt him but then I kick myself when I keep quiet and then a few minutes later he will put client on hold and ask me to get the file.

[Lil O'lady]

Reflect on this in 20 years time. You will probably be working for someone who is doing the exact same thing, overtly or on the sly. Thing is Angel, only those in charge actually have ideas and initiative. Even if it is your idea, it is really your boss that thought of it. Especially when he gives his boss a progress report.

[angel21]

Great isn't it!

[oldmegan]

Well, angel21, I hope you have finished your lunch!! Removing shoes when having exceptionally smelly feet. Belching and farting in the office. Talking very loudly about your sexual exploits over the weekend in the open plan office. Bringing back a really stinky lunch to eat in the office. Years ago, male colleagues unable to keep their hands to themselves. I could go on and on, but thankfully I am retired!!! You'll be fine and when you are promoted to a more senior job than your current boss you will then have the chance to behave better than them!

[PeasAndRice]

i have my shoes off right now.....

[angel21]

Eww yuck!! Yes at least I don't get those problems here lol mind you I am quite nosy so I wouldn't mind overhearing some of the gossip - perhaps not of the sexual exploit type though.

[craft1948]

god oldmegan that takes me back to the good old days...

[indie78]

stop right now , next time you feel the urge to do something helpfull just go do it without saying a word , your efforts will be noticed by the right pair of eyes in due course and your colleuges lack of an original thought will also be noticed ..



in the meentime a for recognition of his genious you should volinteer to get the brews in and do the buttie run and do vile things to his cup o pee ./i mean tea..

[tamborine]

SHOUT back and say "I said I would do it" and if he says dont shout, whisper "I thought you were deaf, 'cos you repeat my words".

Hopefully that'll shut him up!