Nosy guy at work (company, business, best, department)
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I started a new job, and there's this guy in my department who comes to my cube and asks me about the status of my projects, what work I've completed, what processes I've learned etc. He isn't my manager, nor a manager at all in fact, so I don't see what relevance such information is to him. He doesn't ask these things out of casual conversation but rather in an interrogating fashion. I don't like it. I feel it is intrusive and creepy. So far I have accommodated his questions and been polite about it, but it is quickly growing old. How would you handle such a situation?
Tell him, as you're looking at your computer, "Not now, Jones, I've got a meeting with the Bobs and later I'm going to gut a fish on my desk while Lumbergh tries to get me to come in on Saturday."
I know someone like that, it's terribly annoying. Seems innocuous at first and can even be perceived as friendly and helpful but after a while, it's super annoying.
Once comfortable, I'd ask him why he's asking me. And if he persisted, I would just tell him how it makes you feel, i.e. that it feels intrusive. But I wouldn't be aggressive or anything, just casual and relaxed.
Why don't you ask him what his business is. You don't have to be rude about it but doing nothing and venting on this forum won't do you any good as the simmering resentment builds.
And in case anyone is wondering, HR is not your friend.
"Thank you for your concern of my projects, but the manager is well aware of it. Maybe you might speak with him?"
This is perfect. It's polite but it gets the message across.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wmsn4Life
I would ask why he needs to know.
No, too open ended and could lead to a long drawn out and possibly unpleasant conversation.
The "Why do you ask?" is good in personal situations, but for this Digusted Man had the best response.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suburban_Guy
Why don't you ask him what his business is. You don't have to be rude about it but doing nothing and venting on this forum won't do you any good as the simmering resentment builds.
And in case anyone is wondering, HR is not your friend.
The OP posted the question and asked for advice, they're venting(and understanbly so) but also asking how do you handle this. Nothing wrong with that.
"Thank you for your concern of my projects, but the manager is well aware of it. Maybe you might speak with him?"
This is good advice.
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