WWYD?
I work at a smaller office in Beaverton, Oregon. We also have a branch office..in Hyderabad, India. There is a team of 3 girls and 1 guy, all about the age of 23, 24 there that helps set appointments for me and a few other individuals at my office. They are all friendly, intelligent, nice..etc..though thus far, they have not set the best appointments..but I am not complaining regardless. I talk to them periodically in instant messenger, and daily over the phone and through email.
One of them just confided in me that one of my associates is exceptionally rude, and makes her cry almost daily. I had thought this was a bit of sarcasm at first, but her friend mentioned it to me as well. I asked her, whom we shall call Jessica, if she would like me to talk to my associate or our supervisor for her? She had said no. She enjoys talking to me, I am very nice..etc. I try to talk to people, treat them as you want to be treated..etc..it makes sense to me at least. Plus, these girls are fellow employees and are only helping us by potentially adding clients to our books..no reason to be rude by any stretch...Anyways, this is all semi-ironic if you will, as I have noticed my colleague also speaks to me and potential clients in an extremely rude tone many times...I noticed this when he was first hired back in December. And let me explain, my associate is also from India, is 24 or 25 years old, and I do not think he means to be rude or short by any means. It might be his style, or the fact he just doesnt know American customs etc..or perhaps his English isnt..100%..etc..still he is talking with people in India, who speak Hindi..etc..so, there should not be a a problem with them if anyone. Anyways, I can barely tolerate the guy myself, and avoid him at all costs. Still, maybe he should know that he is speaking to other employees and clients in a harsh manner that is turning many people off (myself) and causing others to cry even (Jessica..).
Do you think I should just..abide by my fellow colleague's wishes..and keep it under my hat? Should I speak to my associate? Should I talk to my supervisor?
What would you do?
3 Comments:
hmm...that's a tough one...but I think I'd probably agree with Melissa..ok, maybe I wouldn't kick his ass but I think I'd approach him in a subtle way and discuss things with him. I've found that in almost all cases (with very few exceptions) when people confide something in you of this nature it's because they actually WANT you to do something about it. Especially if they aren't a good friend of yours...really, think of it...why else would she have spoken of it? 'Jessica' is probably just really scared of the consequences. You seem like a cool enough guy to potentially diffuse it, although I wouldn't take it to my supervisor without having first tried to speak to the guy himself.
My four cents worth!
I linked you too..seemed like something I should do, given that I read your site on a daily basis!
n
I agree with Melanie. Take him aside and gently kick his ass. Tell him that he should be ashamed of himself, that will give him a jolt that will last. Oh yeah, and mention the word shame a couple of times, that will drive it to where it needs to be.
I would talk to him as well. But, there's also the corporate chicken shit route, which also works. Get his supervisor to send him to a customer service training seminar that specializes in cultural differences. There's all sorts of stuff like that out there. If he's bringing in business then he'll be worth the investment.
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