[Rockstar714]

My co-worker pouts when she doesn't get her way.

She's 22 and ever since I started working with her (in early october) she starts to pout when she doesn't get her way, stomping off, giving everyone the silent treatment, snapping at people. For instance, today is was her turn to take the early lunch, but she tried to get out of it by saying it was my turn. Well, when time for the early lunch came around I was in the middle of something, so she went, but she left without telling anyone and when she came back she's stomping around and giving everyone silent treatment or snappy one word answers.

Is there anything I can do about this? Any suggestions? Please help...

[RubyPitbull]

When I was given that kind of attitude from people I worked with, I ignored the bad behavior completely. I kept my conversations/interactions short and stuck to business only. What she is doing is trying to do it to manipulate everyone into doing what she wants. Clearly this behavior was not corrected by her parents when she was child and she learned she could get her way if she held out long enough. If everyone ignores her, it is giving her a clear signal the childish behavior won't be tolerated. I don't know the management make up in your office but if it is a chronic issue with her, talk to your supervisor about having a discussion with her about her behavior. The supervisor is the one that should be dealing with this head on, not the co-workers. AND, he/she should be putting this girl on probation for this unacceptable behavior. That is what I did when I was part of management. But, if you aren't a supervisor, you don't have control over how the supervisor handles it. Co-workers should ignore it and if she still doesn't catch on, you can tell her that when she acts like a child in a business setting, it doesn't cast her in a positive light with others. No one will take her seriously in the business world.

[shygrneyzs]

So you have a prima donna in your office. I totally understand where you are. Ruby is right when she states it is the supervisor's job to manage this, not the co-workers. Now the co-workers can address this as a unit, to the supervisor. Have the dates and times and situations well documented. What she said, what she did, etc. Hard to ignore facts like that. You put the onus on the right person - the supervisor.

I would ignore a snot like that but make sure I get it all down on paper. If everyone just does their job and refuses to interact with her attitude, maybe you will be lucky and she will stomp off to another job down the road. Good luck to you and the rest of your co-workers.

[Rockstar714]

Yes, I am documenting this, as it is not just her pouting and stomping around. She talks bad about everyone when she doesn't get her way, and most recently she made a stab at my religion.

[RubyPitbull]

Yup Rock, you are doing the right thing in documenting everythiing. AND, shy's added advice is excellent! What is this girl going to do if every just gives her the big freeze and minimizes their interaction with her? She will either eventually toe the line (probably not), or will eventually throw a huge hissy fit so that everyone will be a witness to it. When she gossips, walk away. If she is at your desk doing it, thank her for dropping off any work related stuff if that was the reason for her stopping by, tell her you are really busy WITH WORK and you don't have the time for chit chat.

Good luck! If you remember, let us know what happened and post back. I am curious as to how this plays out.;) I also hate it when everyone gets along and then one person just ruins the atmosphere in the place. That is the real reason people eventually hate their jobs. It is work when the disruptive person is in a position of authority! *sigh*

[Rockstar714]

Well, our manager saw her throw at HUGE hissy fit the other night. One of the services we use called up and said that there was a problem. She had answered the phone and even after everything was settled she was swearing, screaming at the top of her longs (not screaming words, just shrieking) and just freaking out. So I'm hoping that something comes about this soon. We don't have a lot of employees at this branch, so hopefully one of the managers sees it soon!

[shygrneyzs]

Making a derisive comment about your religion can be viewed as harassment and possibly fall under the anti-hate law. Ask your HR person about that or get some legal advice - do both if you can.
Keep that journal going! It sounds like you need it.

[Rockstar714]

Oh yeah, I need it. I got a weird vibe from her from day one, we'd carpool to train at different branches, but then when it came time to be at the same branch I realise that my first impression was right. I don't trust her!

[Rockstar714]

UPDATE:

So I talked to my boss this morning about her behaviour yesterday (it got worse as the day went on) and he agreed all three of us need to sit down and talk about it.