I got into an argument with my co-worker... help?

Question

It was last weekend, and we were pretty busy at work.  She and I were the only cashiers (we work at a retail store- I'm 17, she's going on 30).  

She saw a woman she knew, and she confronted her.  They were chatting, and laughing, like friends do- and my co-worker got our flier, and began to help her find items, and helped with the sales.

Unfortunately, while this was happening (she spent about 25 minutes with her), my line was building to the point where I had 8 people.  Considering we work at a place that sells breakable items, duvets, and very, very expensive items, it takes a while for each purchase.  Between wrapping, and asking people to apply for a certain credit card, the line builds.  

While it was building, I was getting complaints... I had no one else to call.

After a while, she eventually hopped on, and the line died down.  When this happened, I asked her why she was with her friend for 25 mintues, when I was stuck at cash dealing with complains about how slow and long our line up was.  She automatically became defensive, saying "Oh, so now it's wrong to help customers... she WAS a customer, was she not?"  

Well, yes, but she is also her friend, and it is not her job to be on the floor.  So, I told her that her starting an argument ment she was guilty, and that I had hit a nerve.  So, she continued to freak out, and I began to ignore her and continue the sales.

Almost 2 weeks have gone by, and we work together tonight.  She's very stubborn, and I've been told that she argues a lot, and she never, ever forgets it- once she holds a grudge, she'll always have one.  It's odd though, because we used to laugh and hug everytime we saw each other, and now she just shoots cut eye.

What should I do?  My managers just say to continue working, but it's just her and I tonight... for 4 hours... 

Help.  =(

Thanks for reading.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Uh-oh. That really sucks. 
Well, from what I know of you, you seem like someone who can hold her own, so what I would do is go in to work tonight, act casual and polite. Don't give her dirty looks or speak to her in a condescending way or anything. And if she tries anything with you just say calmly and quickly, "[Insert her name here], I'm starting to get confused about who's the adult in this relationship and who's the teenager." And then drop it. It's one of those disses where it takes the dis-see a minute to figure it out. 

And if she continues tell her calmly again, "Look, if you have a problem with me, work is not the place to bring it up. You're all about helping customers, aren't you? So start doing your job and get over your little grudge with me." But don't be snappy about it, because that's one less thing she can use against you. See what I mean?

Good luck!

Additional details: Don't listen to Zanthus, they have no clue what they're talking about.

Anonymous · Answer

When you get to work, tell her that you want to make a work plan for the shift this evening. (who takes cash first, who is going to do X, Y, Z)
When she tells you that she doesn't think a plan is required just remind her that on the last shift you had together that things got a little out of control and "customer service suffered" because there was no plan in place.
This is the professional way of handling it and she cannot refuse without looking like she's unprofessional. 
If need be, make sure you note down time you asked to work out a plan and how you worded it and leave a note for your manager. Then, ask for a meeting to discuss it so you can sort out this customer service issue.
Easy Peasy!

Troy · Answer

Act like you always do and acknowledge her when you see her at work. Be yourself and don't let her resentment get you down. It's the only way to deal with people who can't live and forget. They want you to play the anger game but if you refuse and stay calm, natural and cheerful she won't have an excuse to be rude without making a fool of herself. She might hate you deep inside but without motives she won't get close to you again. If she gets catty and mean just push her buttons further down by being nice and ignoring her. Good luck.

Anonymous · Answer

next time, you will learn to know your place. You had no business even speaking to this woman about what her responsibilities are or aren't !!!

Period. You're not her manager.

Since you are 17, I wouldn't expect you to even have a clue about this sort of stuff....


Next time you have a problem with a coworker, take your concerns to your MANAGER if you feel they are warranted.


What YOU should do it this....Speak to this woman...say I'm sorry about the other day. I realize I was out of place, but I was just frustrated by the lineups and people complaining.... I know you were helping a customer. I'm sure that you can appreciate that I I ran off to help a customer and left you with a huge lineup, you would be frustrated as well.  IN short,

BE THE BETTER person......also you DO owe her an apology based on what I outlined above.

Amaya Sakaruta · Answer

your best bet is to say sorry and be nice even if she doesn't. I hope that helps. It's what the bible says.

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I got into an argument with my co-worker... help?

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