How do you confront an unpleasant and overly sarcastic coworker?

1. 76

   findawayormakeoneposted 12 years ago

   How do you confront an unpleasant and overly sarcastic coworker?
   
   Today, a coworker informed my boss that I was dressed inappropriately because my dress (over very long legs, and a large rump) seemed a little short. Furthermore, the flower in my hair was not business casual. This person never has a nice thing to say, about anyone or anything. Should I approach the person or not?

   replyreport
2. 64

   nicregiposted 12 years ago

   It really depends if your boss reacts to it or not. Let's say your boss speak to you, then give him your point of view of the matter. Imagine your boss doesn't say anything, chances might be he/she might just agree with your dressing.
   
   Normally I am very tolerant to such people but it they are just too much, then I will speak to them directly.
   
   Hope this helps.

   replyreport
3. 72

   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   I would say not to. It is being nice and polite. However, that is not what I would do. I'm always too blunt and would call the person out for it. Being a psychology major, I would also make comments about the life expectancy of people with negative personalities, authoritative parents, who likes negative Nancy's, and so on and so forth.

   replyreport
4. 0

   ChuckGposted 12 years ago

   A negative person cannot fight a positive person. There's no fuel to burn. Sarcasm only has as much strength and power as you give it. Dress appropriately for work. Go about your day without giving this person power over you. Do not get too involved in her negativity, but instead do your work, enjoy your coworkers, and that cloud of darkness won't reach you, unless you let it.

   replyreport
5. 60

   b2b-sales-europeposted 12 years ago

   Don't invest energy and time fighting with a negative person. You don't win over bad habits and attitudes, you don't enter a fight, you don't don't present contact surface.
   
   Show your boss, that you are polite, gentle, obliging and even encouraging. Tell your boss, that you take pity in the co-workers situation, since the co-worker doesn't seem to feel well in the company. Offer your help for this poor person to be better integrated. Show your character and your ambitions to be driven by team success and by leadership thinking. Offer your help to this person. Politeness is disarming.

   replyreport
6. 42

   cheshnotesposted 6 years ago

   This question was asked some 5 years ago and I am answering it now. However, dealing with difficult coworkers is still a problem most of us deal with. They can fry you and  be a source of frustration. Approaching them is even difficult because it is difficult to make them listen. Sarcasm is good till it does not get boring .. your coworker really bores you and you cannot rid him of his attitude. So, if you care for his taste and the rules that  might reduce his pretentiousness. If you only get to approach him ask him what he tells boss on the days you dress more perfectly... If boss did not respond, he gave you the best answer.. say elves to it..!!

   replyreport