Bossy people

[Guest hubertdorm]

I'm having this problem at work. There is a man there, we'll call him Larry, who is very bossy. Larry has his eyes set on the corner office, the one with the door. He tells everyone what to do. He rolls his eyes at personal calls and wants to change our filing system. In fact, since he has been employed there (a long 3 months longer than myself) he has had the mission (self-appointed) to "shape-up" the office to be like the one he transfered from.

Problem is, Larry isn't the boss. He's not even the manager. Today, "Lisa" turned around and told him straight up. "Jose" is also constantly putting Larry in his place. But Larry won't stay down. Everyone is getting angrier and angrier. Jose has threatened to sue for racial discrimination if Larry continues to strut. It's a real problem-- for them.

I have a problem, but it's not exactly a bossed around dilema as much as it is a Christian one. On the one hand, I feel it's important for him to know that I'm not a pushover. He isn't my boss. Ooo the things I'd love to say when he tells me things!

On the other hand, I don't want to compromise my ability to witness by saying something rude or sarcastic. I want to leave the issue up to the real boss/manager, let's call him Steve. Steve never hesitates to tell us that Larry isn't the boss, if we ask. Steve is a good guy, I respect him. But I feel he needs to say something to Larry before things get worse.

[Guest hubertdorm]

Larry said (to us) that he would report Steve to corporate (Houston) if Steve wasn't running things in perfect order. Larry is a Mormon, and I know not all Mormons are jerks. But it's embarrassing to see someone who professes Christianity be this way.

[Guest hubertdorm]

I want to stay humble, not get an attitude with him, but I admit it is a struggle. I ask God to give me patience and to remove my pride. It's hard too.

[Leonard]

Just say: "Look, Larry; you seem like a nice guy. Maybe you just don't catch on so fast: You're not the boss, and Steve is. You've got a beef with the way I do things, ask me about it. Don't try to give me orders. I won't take them from you. I expect you to be as courteous to me, as I have been to you. If you really feel it's important and I won't do what you want, ask Steve to speak to us both together about it. I'm sure in a meeting with the two of us present, he can clear things up for us. Thanks."

If that doesn't work, punch his lights out!

[Guest hubertdorm]

Can I just skip to the last step?

[Catsmeow]

Well, my husband isn't Mormon by a long shot but he's got the bossy part down real well...

[Guest hubertdorm]

I think wives are allowed to punch their husbands as Leonard suggested catsmeow. Doesn't sound like it will hurt him all that much.

[ayin jade]

Larry said (to us) that he would report Steve to corporate (Houston) if Steve wasn't running things in perfect order. Larry is a Mormon, and I know not all Mormons are jerks. But it's embarrassing to see someone who professes Christianity be this way.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hubert, Mormons are not Christians. They have a different Jesus.

As for your problem, you can talk to your boss and show him how this is upseting the workplace environment. He will then hopefully deal with Larry. You can easily tell Larry to leave you alone in a Christian manner. Just tell him you appreciate his zeal but since you are doing your best there is no need for him to watch over you. Steve is an excellent boss and does not need an unofficial assistant to help him.

You might also help him find another job he is better suited at lol, as in, not at your office.

[Guest hubertdorm]

I understand that Mormon aren't Christians Jade, but they believe they are, and they cause damage to the Gospel when unbelievers who do not know the difference see jerk christians.

[Anne]

hunterdorm

Have you tried taking him aside and talking with him? Tell him he is upsetting the day to day working environment and hurting peoples feelings! If he scoffs at this then take it to someone above him.

I wouldn't worry about "Larry" reporting, he may well do, however the process in such matters, would require someone from Head Office interviewing the employees about the inflamed situation, and from your post i suspect that "Larry" would come out of it with egg on his face. So I think he's just trying to ascert some authority, I help run a family business, I would consider someone like "Larry" a workplace bully and if all other avenues failed, then he would be out on his ear, in a non violent way Leonard!

To me it sounds as if this chap has got an bubble of self importance about himself, time to get the pin out and burst that bubble!

But do not become frustrated if he refuses to listen to you, just say "Okay, I've tried to reason with you like an adult, but you refuse to listen." Leave at that, walk away, report the matter to your boss and leave it in his hands. However, if you do choose this option bear in mind the atmostphere will become worse before it gets better.

Your Sister in Christ Jesus

Anne