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Dealing with Unreasonable People on the Job


Drewismyname

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Hello. Recently i have been verbally attacked on a somewhat regular basis at work. Was hoping cdc could help me find the best course of action.

For my job i deliver auto parts. At one specific dealership i encountered an older fellow who has taken a hate for me. One day as usual, i asked him for a signature so i could drop off a few parts. He immediately got agitated and told me he didnt have time for that and when i told him i need a signature before i leave he got even angrier and yelled at me. Even his co workers looked shocked and voiced their agreement that i had just been carrying out my responsibilities and he was out of line.

I then informed my supervisor who took note of it and spoke with our sales rep (who believe iit or not has had a similar run in with the same guy)

From that day on i ignored the guy at the shipping and receiving desk and walked further into the building to get who i beleive is his supervisor so sign off on the delivery, or asked one of mr grumpys fellow shipping and recieving co workers.

On Friday there was a new guy working with grumps so i asked him if he worked there, as to get a signature. He said "no!" In somewhat of a childish joking tone. So i said, relax bud, with a big smile.

Grumpy then launched into a fit acusing me of telling him to relax etc to which i responded saying i wasnt even talking to you. Etc.

He then had his boss call my boss and now i feel as though this man has put my livelyhood in danger (job). The whole thing is bcause i asked him to sign for a delivery and it has escalated to him screaming at me on a regular basis.

I was just wondering what course of action to take. I have spoken with my supervisor, our sales rep. Should i also call the company i work fors HR division? Should i call the provincial HR? I have already told my supervisor i dont feel comfortable delivering to that dealership.

Thanks for any advice.

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Maybe you could get the company to draft a memo to him, outlining policies to include: "We have a zero tolerance for abusive behaviour toward our employees....delivery drivers who are confronted or met with resistance when obtaining signatures will exercise their option to leave and no delivery will be made". Something like that. It'll be in writing and if dude wants his part he'll have to play nice.

Your company SHOULD support you and you should feel safe and comfortable in performing your duties while on the job. Good luck.

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Keep your cool and act above it all (because you are above it all). I don't think you'll be in any risk if people around you are noticing that he is crossing the line as well. Just make sure you don't retaliate and add more fuel to the flame.

Also, in my job over the years, my resting bitch face and tone got me a long way with people who wouldn't co-operate and were confrontational. If you want to stand your ground, you want to get the most mileage out of a calm steely glare and words. Don't be apologetic in situations where it's not your fault but don't assign blame either. And just...I don't know, be Tywin Lannister.

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I'm the type of person who always feels like these situations should be dealt with face to face, man to man. If someone has the audacity to speak to you like that they should be man enough to deal with the response.

That said.. these kinds of people are ALWAYS the first ones to run and report the issues to YOUR boss. Making you look like you're in the wrong, every time.

As I've gotten older I've learned that the only thing you can really do is speak to your boss before they do. Even if it's a minor dispute/argument, it goes a long way if you explain your side before they do. It's still a b***h way to deal with it, but it's usually your only course of action if you like (or need) your job.

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Maybe you could get the company to draft a memo to him, outlining policies to include: "We have a zero tolerance for abusive behaviour toward our employees....delivery drivers who are confronted or met with resistance when obtaining signatures will exercise their option to leave and no delivery will be made". Something like that. It'll be in writing and if dude wants his part he'll have to play nice.

Your company SHOULD support you and you should feel safe and comfortable in performing your duties while on the job. Good luck.

This. Any reasonable company will ban abusive customers.

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tell the guy you want whatever issue he has with you resolved. Be the bigger person and apologize for whatever irritated him even though its not your fault. Tell the grumpy fella you are just trying to do your job and politely and calmly ask him if there is anyway to resolve the situation. If he does not cooperate, ask for his supervisor and do the same thing. Buy him a coffee, a donut, be persistantly kind and at some point, the fella is just not gonna bother with you. At the same time, let your bosses know and asked them to teach you how to resolve the situation.

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Maybe you could get the company to draft a memo to him, outlining policies to include: "We have a zero tolerance for abusive behaviour toward our employees....delivery drivers who are confronted or met with resistance when obtaining signatures will exercise their option to leave and no delivery will be made". Something like that. It'll be in writing and if dude wants his part he'll have to play nice.

Your company SHOULD support you and you should feel safe and comfortable in performing your duties while on the job. Good luck.

WCB or whatever they're called now has an official policy on this and there should be printed material available. Your super should talk to his on this level. Harrasement and abuse in the workplace means his workplace too. You might even discuss it with a WCB officer.

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