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Frequent Contributor
Posts: 76
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

I work with someone who has a very abrasive personality. She is incredibly negative and blows everything out of proportion. She recently sent a rude email to someone making something seem far worse than it actually is. Sending this email was overstepping her boundaries and is not part of her job description, but what's done is done and I am trying to do damage control now. What would be the best way to tell this person (the one who received the email) that my coworker is negative and dramatic? Keep in mind that there is the possibility that this could get back to her and I really do not want to deal with her sarcasm or attitude.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,662
Registered: ‎01-27-2014

Re: How do I politely say this?

Why is it necessary to get involved? If you must say something, your words should suffice ("negative and dramatic").

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,758
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: How do I politely say this?

Unless you are a Supervisor or Manager of one or both employees, stay out of it. 

Keep Your Face To The Sunshine and You Will Not See The Shadow
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,656
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: How do I politely say this?

[ Edited ]

Why would you want to get dragged into this woman's drama?  It could very easily backfire and you could get in trouble.  My mother told me a long time ago if you stir in poo you will get it on you and stink to the high heavens.  Unless you are the rude e-mail senders supervisor, don't get involved.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 76
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

Re: How do I politely say this?

I am getting involved because I am above my coworker and I have to.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,065
Registered: ‎05-23-2011

Re: How do I politely say this?


@Tink814 wrote:

I am getting involved because I am above my coworker and I have to.

 

Since you have to get involved, set up a meeting with the two individuals and another person who is also "above" them so there won't be any misunderstandings when you tell the the abusive co-worker that her behavior will not be tolerated!


 

You Don't Own Me- Leslie Gore
(You don't Know) How Glad I Am- Nancy Wilson
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,758
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: How do I politely say this?

"above her" as in Supervisor or Manager?  

 

If she is a real problem, take it to Personnel.

Keep Your Face To The Sunshine and You Will Not See The Shadow
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,758
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: How do I politely say this?

O/T

 

Is school out already for Thanksgiving?  

Keep Your Face To The Sunshine and You Will Not See The Shadow
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Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,180
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: How do I politely say this?

Not knowing what happened and what was in the email makes advising rather difficult.  However do not say anything about your coworker's personality being negative. It will make you look bad. Tell the recipient of the email that it was a misunderstanding and apologize.  

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,656
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: How do I politely say this?

What does the term "above" mean?  Are you her supervisor or manager and does she report directly to you?  If so, I would talk to her with an HR representative present.  That is the policy where I work.  Good luck.