So I work in a medical office, and I just started about a month ago. Admittedly, I am still learning the flow of things. I am trying my best to be polite and ask questions when possible, but I have made a few minor mistakes that one coworker has had to fix. This particular coworker has been particularly rude to me! It doesn't seem like she has been rude to anyone else in the office. I am not sure how to handle this situation. I want to talk to my coworker, but I'm unsure when it is appropriate to talk to them or what to say. Please help!
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Hi @Michael Brown! Thanks so much for being the first to come here for advice.
Well to start, it sounds like your coworker needs a serious vibe check. The unfortunate thing is when people choose to be unkind to others, it often says way more about them than it does about you. So while I'd love to say you should pull your coworker to the side and have a serious talk about how to be a nicer person, I don't think that is necessary nor do I believe it would solve anything. Your coworker may be the type of person that requires you to earn their kindness and respect. Perhaps that's why they act differently toward other people. Maybe, just maybe, the way you earn their respect is by continuing to learn and be great at your job! In hopes that as you learn the ropes and get everything down to a tee, they won't get annoyed at having to fix any of your work. Mistakes are normal, especially when starting a new job. It means you're learning! Your coworker probably expects everyone to be perfect no matter what, which is their mistake. You should never have to earn someone's kindness or respect, but it seems like you might have to adjust those expectations in this circumstance.
I feel bad for people like your coworker. That's no way to go through life and it's definitely no way to treat a person just because they're new and learning. Maybe they enjoy being good at their job and reprimanding others because it makes them feel better. Who knows...but the important thing is that you stop letting it affect you. People like that feed off of knowing their behavior is affecting others. Just because they're putting out low vibes doesn't mean you have to let them bring your good vibes down. In fact, make it a point to show that it doesn't affect you. Stay kind, stay positive, and stay happy. Maybe it'll rub off on your coworker, they could certainly use it!
Just keep being you, keep learning and doing your best, and let the haters hate. Also, make sure you nourish the relationships with your other coworkers that treat you with the respect you deserve.
Love,
Liv.