People have been complaining about me.
Q:
I was recently told by both my
boss and human resources that people have been complaining
about me.
My coworkers say I act
superior and try to oversee their work.
Apparently, my genuine offers
of assistance have been viewed as meddling.
Since I am the senior person in both
age and experience, I try to help out when people have
issues with their projects.
My philosophy has always been
"let no one ever come to you without leaving better and
happier".
I do have a strong
personality, but I believe my suggestions are useful.
What am I doing wrong?
A: This is a
perfect example of perception creating reality.
You see yourself as a helpful mentor to your younger
colleagues, while they view you as a condescending monitor.
To better understand this reaction, try to consider
the situation from their point of view.
Your stated philosophy is "let no one ever come to you
without leaving better and happier".
However, these coworkers did not come to you.
Instead, you gave them unsolicited advice, which was
interpreted as an implied criticism.
Trying to make people "better" does not always make
them "happier".
Despite having positive intentions, you would be wise to
take a different approach, especially since management is
now involved. So
instead of highlighting your senior status, just try to be a
friendly member of the team.
You do not supervise these folks, so you are under
no obligation to improve them.
Could you be irritating your colleagues?
You might want to check out this list . . .
Do You Annoy Your
Co-Workers?
