Dealing with a toxic coworker

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

"Crazy Person (use his real name), it's obvious that we have problems interacting on a personal level, however this is a professional environment, and it would be in both of our best interests to treat it as such. I'm more than happy to discuss work related maters with you, and from now on I would prefer if we limited our interaction to professional matters only."

Email that to him, CC HR and document any times that he is aggressive, note what was said, when, where, and who else was present.

If you do all that you'll have a pretty rock solid case to protect yourself should it come to some sort of confrontation.

And then enjoy the lamentations of his women!

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Locke

What would Dr. Dre do?

I believe he would deem this a time to make his impression felt. So sit back, relax and strap on your seatbelt.

[nik-]

Step 1: Invite him out for dinner and drinks, preferably at a Tex-Mex restaurant.

Step 2: Invite him over to listen to some music

Step 3: Brutally murder him with an axe while firmly, and confidently, stating "Try getting a reservation at Dorsia now you ####ing stupid bastard"

[taco.vidal]

Originally Posted by peter12

No, that's what I chose to do, obviously. He can do what he thinks is best given his situation. I also had a number of other factors which affected my decision. This is an adult thing. You understand that, right?

If you let yourself get bullied, others will see it and bully you as well or walk all over you. Sometimes it is better to walk away if you believe the bully is mentally unstable and prine to violence but thats rarely the case.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by taco.vidal

If you let yourself get bullied, others will see it and bully you as well or walk all over you. Sometimes it is better to walk away if you believe the bully is mentally unstable and prine to violence but thats rarely the case.

Actually, most adults will just realize that the guy is a dbag and probably not just start bullying you too. Unless, of course, you work with a bunch of dicks

[NuclearFart]

Originally Posted by taco.vidal

If you let yourself get bullied, others will see it and bully you as well or walk all over you. Sometimes it is better to walk away if you believe the bully is mentally unstable and prine to violence but thats rarely the case.

That's a rather childish gym bro/prison mentality.

A tactical retreat is often more appropriate in the civilized world - save your confrontations for when it really matters and you actually have something to gain for the risk. We've evolved far beyond gorillas beating our chest at the slightest transgression.

[taco.vidal]

Originally Posted by NuclearFart

That's a rather childish gym bro/prison mentality.

A tactical retreat is often more appropriate in the civilized world - save your confrontations for when it really matters and you actually have something to gain for the risk. We've evolved far beyond gorillas beating our chest at the slightest transgression.

It might depend what industry you work in.

[Locke]

"Greetings respected coworker, could I please have your esteemed assistance in the moving of this barrel?

No, unfortunately I am unfamiliar with the reasons for the allegedly Toxic glow but I am certain it is harmless.

Please, watch your footing it can slippery...right....there!"

[peter12]

Originally Posted by taco.vidal

If you let yourself get bullied, others will see it and bully you as well or walk all over you. Sometimes it is better to walk away if you believe the bully is mentally unstable and prine to violence but thats rarely the case.

Such actions rarely go over well in the modern workplace. Tactical retreats. Strike back if you can.

[NuclearFart]

Originally Posted by taco.vidal

It might depend what industry you work in.

Maybe, but I've been surrounded >95% by type A personalities for over a decade, many of which would certainly classify as bullies. I've found ignoring them works best as they will then underestimate you, which gives you a significant upper hand if it rarely ever comes to conflict.

[CaptainCrunch]

Have sex with his significant other and publish photo's on the internet which will drive him over the edge.

Confront him face to face verbally in front of a large group of people

Make sure you push him to the point where he threatens to kill you.

buy a false set of id papers

offer him some gum one day in private as a peace offering or buy him a drink.

Wait until he's finished and collect the DNA.

name your fake self as your main beneficiary on your life insurance policy

fake your death. Preferably in a house fire, spread the fake DNA all over the gas can. Make sure the fire is hot enough to incinerate the hobo that you murdered earlier so they can't identify the corpse.

Collect your insurance money and move to a country with no extradition treaty with Canada.

Watch the justice system convict your friend for first degree murder.

Pays someone to murder him in prison

The circle of life is complete

Profit

[burn_this_city]

I initially thought gaslighting was farting in your office and leaving.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by taco.vidal

It might depend what industry you work in.

Yes, it does. When I was a field researcher in oil & gas, your approach would have been the correct one.

[PaperBagger'14]

Originally Posted by peter12

Yes, it does. When I was a field researcher in oil & gas, your approach would have been the correct one.

I work in the field and usually a good "Go f### yourself" gets the point across. I remember about 8 years ago I was working as an electrician with our company's head foreman. He was also a total scab and cut corners everywhere he could to save a buck. He told me to do some really shoddy work and I said no. A couple FU's were exchanged, and we got along famously after.

[Violator]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

I work in the field and usually a good "Go f### yourself" gets the point across. I remember about 8 years ago I was working as an electrician with our company's head foreman. He was also a total scab and cut corners everywhere he could to save a buck. He told me to do some really shoddy work and I said no. A couple FU's were exchanged, and we got along famously after.

This is why I love the trades you show a little backbone and your respected.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by NuclearFart

That's a rather childish gym bro/prison mentality.

A tactical retreat is often more appropriate in the civilized world - save your confrontations for when it really matters and you actually have something to gain for the risk. We've evolved far beyond gorillas beating our chest at the slightest transgression.

I wouldn't think of it as a retreat.

I'd think of it as standing your ground and refusing to play his game. Why should anyone be forced into some unprofessional and juvenile competition with another adult. Why should you be forced to sink to his level?

It's like when Cesar Milan trains a dog. If you respond to aggressive behaviour you are legitimizing it. If you ignore it with confidence you are asserting yourself.

[starseed]

To avoid getting stabbed by the crazy coworker, maybe try to tie HR's hands: Talk to your doctor and tell him that the psychological stress is manifesting itself in intolerable physical symptoms... headaches, nausea. Tell your doctor of your company's failure to address the issue, and ask for a note to give to your company to ask to be separated from the source of the stress. If the company refuses to accommodate - discrimination based on disability - damages, lost wages, etc. You can support your case by demonstrating that you did approach the company to get the situation resolved - you did give them a chance to address the issue, but they failed to do so.

*For the record, I hate when employees do #### like this when they are trying to game the system, but it is an effective avenue to force action.

[Locke]

Have you considered pre-empting the problem and physically assaulting him first? Assert dominance over the workplace!

Dont do that.

[AcGold]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

I initially thought gaslighting was farting in your office and leaving.

It is now lol

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by peter12

No, that's what I chose to do, obviously. He can do what he thinks is best given his situation. I also had a number of other factors which affected my decision. This is an adult thing. You understand that, right?

I kinda doubt that, considering this "alpha male" nonsense.