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One Methods:Tape Recording Method

There are occasions when we find a not-so comfortable atmosphere developing and office politics and drama ensue. Here is how to inform your boss about a coworker who is attempting to undermine the efforts of the majority to bring themselves to power or just feel important. If talking to them about their behavior is not appropriate or effective, consider the following:

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EditTape Recording Method

  1. Help Your Boss See How a Co Worker Is Undermining Others Step 1.jpg
    1
    Firstly, check whether the following is legal where you work. If not, proceed to method 2.
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  2. Help Your Boss See How a Co Worker Is Undermining Others Step 2.jpg
    2
    Bring a tape recorder to work.
  3. Help Your Boss See How a Co Worker Is Undermining Others Step 3.jpg
    3
    Record everything the co-worker says.
  4. Help Your Boss See How a Co Worker Is Undermining Others Step 4.jpg
    4
    Turn the evidence in to the boss.
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EditJournal Method

  1. Begin a journal. Record the following each time you use the journal:
    • Date
    • Time
    • Location
    • Parties involved
    • What the coworker was doing
    • How it caused disruption to others/ yourself (this is very important as sometimes perception at the moment is not always clear or can be misconstrued)
  2. Bring your journal to your boss and be clear you are not out to get anyone else in trouble, just that you wish to bring things to light that may not be understood by your boss. If your boss says he/she appreciates this, ask if they wish you to continue. If your boss does not express appreciation, or if the activity continues, you may have to go up a step, or, if your company is bigger, ask if there is an ethics hotline.

EditTips

  • If you have covered your bases and recorded the activities, then make sure you are talking to the right people.
  • Before you act, make sure you are not the only one that feels this is a problem. You might end up creating a larger problem than is warranted by the situation.

EditWarnings

  • If the undermining co-worker finds out about it,he or she will stop undermining people temporarily while you have the tape recorder or are lurking about with a pad and pen.
  • The undermining co-worker might destroy your evidence if he or she finds out about the tape recorder or journal. If so, try and recreate everything in long form in a new journal. Try to report on it right away so that not enough time goes by for incidences to build up.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Tape recorder
  • Journal and pen
  • Undermining coworker
  • A boss who is willing to listen and has an open door policy.

Article Info

Categories: Boss and Colleague Interaction

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