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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