Q & A: Return of the Jerk
Q: I switched jobs a year
ago. I was delighted to get this job in part because I couldn't stand
one of my co-workers. She was incompetent, knowledgeable and
unjustifiably arrogant. In short, she was a jerk. Then I saw her at my
new job for an interview. My boss asked me if I knew her because he saw
we worked at the same place at the same time. I urged him to consider
other candidates, but didn't want to get into details about why - other
than mentioning she wasn't too bright. I did, however, make my feelings
known in the most professional manner I could. Despite this, he hired
her and now I work with that jerk again. I really like my current job,
but I don't want to deal with her. Any tips? A: This is a sticky
situation that happens more often than most would even suspect: the
return of the jerk. Situations and conflicts from one company carry
over to another when two adversaries work with each other a second time. There are three effective ways to deal with this situation so you don't have to deal with her for long: Give
enough rope. Usually, if you give someone enough rope, they'll hang
themself with it. Especially jerks. If you simply go about your
business and do your job, the jerk will either succeed or fail on her
own accord. If she succeeds, then the jerk will be established and you
may want to reconsider whether the problem is with her or you. If the
jerk fails (which, from your question, seems likely), then she'll
likely be terminated and your problem will be solved. Leverage
your clout. You've got tenure on the jerk. If your boss asked for your
input, then s/he might feel you have some insight. Keep an eye on the
jerk and, if she just isn't catching on and contributing to the company
or your team, then you should mention that to your supervisor. To avoid
sounding like a tattle tale, offer your supervisor some suggestions on
how the jerk might be able to improve her performance. Chances are,
others will do the same. When enough complaints come in, management
will be forced to consider whether the jerk is worth the trouble or not. Get
another job. This is the least preferred method. After all, you were
there first. If your boss didn't take your advice to heart, then you
may not have enough clout to have allies in dealing with the jerk. IN
THE CARAVAN: If you have to deal with the return of the jerk, allow
them to fail, leverage your tenure or look for another job.
NEXT FRIDAY: Is Job Hopping as Bad as They Say?
Want more Q & A? Check out these posts and The Lion's Pride section of WildJobSafari.com!
Check out last Friday's post on individual retirement plans.
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