How much should one take?

...in the workplace??

I came face to face with a co-worker this morning and I am trying my hardest not to take it personally...

She started literally screaming at me because she didn't like the way I was telling her something because she didn't understand what I was trying to tell her. I was very hurt by this and I got emotional, but I didn't show it...I went to the restroom. When I came back, she apologized for being wrong and she was sorry for yelling at me.

I was just wondering, what do you guys think? Did she cross the line? How much should one take from their place of employment?

Definetly crossed the line there. Its good that she came back and apologized, but that still doesn't make it right. I wouldn't take a second of that, I'd be screaming right back at her about her inability to understand people correctly
I guess it depends on the person though. If she does this a lot and always apologizes for it, then mabye you should just tell her to back off. If its a one time thing, and theres a possiblity that she was just having a rough day, Id let it pass.
Goodluck!

Peace,
Brandon

Well, I do think she crossed the line, but I think it showed a lot of maturity to apologize for what she did. You should take that to heart. Hopefully, this was a one time thing and it won't happen again.

If it happens again and again and again, I would have a talk with your administrator or boss to discuss this issue.

i would definatly take it to heart if someone started screaming at me, i would have a word with her tomorrow, and tell her this, you are not there to be spoken to like that

Nobody has the right to speak to another person in that manner, regardless of the type of day they are having, and ESPECIALLY in the workplace. It shows a complete lack of respect for you and others in the workplace and is totally unprofessional.

You showed considerably more professionalism by not responding in kind and taking the time to calm yourself before speaking with this person. In some companies that I have worked for, she would have had a note put in her personnel file and if it happened 3 times, she would be out the door (as in fired with just cause).

I feel that type of behavior is unacceptable nomatter where you are, but agree that it showed a great deal of character and maturity for her to admit she was wrong and apologize.

This was a real estate agent ( I am the receptionist)...it's very hard to fire them here. I have had problems with people being rude and unprofessional towards me before and my boss tells me to not take it personal. But, when this happens, it's so hard not to just walk out.

She apologized, but I am just baffled by it. Doesn't make my day any easier. ...I need a vacation or a new job

That is no co-worker - that is a woman who thinks she is superior to you. I bet she would never dream of speaking to one of her clients or peers in that manner.

That is a form of harrassment. I think I would make it clear to her that my job was as important for the agency as hers is albeit in a different way and that in future I would appreciate being shown more respect.

But she is superior to me. She is like a boss to me. What am I suppose to do even if the "big boss" doesn't do anything about it?

Being a receptionist you get that attitude a lot. I'm fortunate that the guys I work with treat me like the goddess of the office that I am. Seriously, I do get that attitude with a lot of the people who call here, and with some of the manufacturer's reps that come in. Granted, never have they gone off like that, which does completely cross the line. Yelling at someone is never acceptable in a workplace.

Her behavior was unacceptable, but she recognized that herself, apologized, and probably feels guilty about taking things out on you. I'd say forget about it - few people have so much control of their emotions that they never act out, however inappropriately. If she makes a habit of it, complain. If not - forgive.

I agree with the consensus...she was out of line but showed a great deal of character for apologizing. I would have interrupted her to tell her that she cannot speak to you like that, and when she is ready to act appropriately, you will be at your desk.

Don't raise your voice. Don't get angry. Very professional and calm.

Sandy

I agree with Heidi, as i'm a receptionist as well and although i get the 'odd' client blowing a gasket my co workers give me a lot of respect.

She was bang out of order no matter what her status is, but i agree with the others in the fact that she did appologise.

Don't let it upset you though

I too deal with rude @sses on occassions. My problem is I'm not one to keep my mouth shut when they get to screaming at me. You did the right thing by keeping your cool and going to take care of your emotions in private.

Today I would go and talk to her to tell her that even though she apologized to you, you will not put up with being talked to that way again. You deserve more respect from her than that. After all if you didn't have the job that you do then she would have to do that aspect of the job and then where would she be? I hope that all goes well for you today

I'm the same Cathi, i wouldn't be able to keep quiet either if anyone spoke out of turn to me.

I dont deal with customers on the phone anymore, but the place I work is full of women who think that they are better than anyone else. I kid you not. If it's not that, it's the ones who stab you in the back. If you dont talk, you get accused of being in a bad mood, etc. It's like reliving high school and elementry school all over again, and it's annyoying. And, the whole company is full of partiers who like to drink and get trashed, too. It;s nice to get called a loser too when you dont go

I work for one guy, and he knows that I'm good at what I do so if there's a problem, it's usually something I should have left at hme, or I'm sick, have a migraine, or am plain exhausted. I suppose I'm lucky, huh *lol* I do get the occasional TV rep that's rude to me, and I tell them that I don't have to create a TV buy with their station included, and that as much as they'd like to think Raford gets all the say, I'm the one that works out the rates and ratings, and can find a way to get a better deal out of it, with someone who cares to speak to me with respect.
I'm also lucky that I can hold the title agency director.

Thanks guys...I am leaving it alone for now. Still not in the best mood, but I am here...

I agree, that she was totally out of line. If she does it again, or even starts to try to let her steam off by attacking you like that again, please remind her to behave professionally, because you work hard every day as much as she does.

Originally Posted by Tigger

I dont deal with customers on the phone anymore, but the place I work is full of women who think that they are better than anyone else. I kid you not. If it's not that, it's the ones who stab you in the back. If you dont talk, you get accused of being in a bad mood, etc. It's like reliving high school and elementry school all over again, and it's annyoying. And, the whole company is full of partiers who like to drink and get trashed, too. It;s nice to get called a loser too when you dont go

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That's why I used to say that I felt like I ran an adult daycare here! I'ts like dealing with a bunch of children some days!