Mood Swings Disrupt Office Vibe
Dear Godscribe:
I am working at a new job, and several of my co-workers are also new. One particular co-worker tends to have mood swings and when in a bad mood, she will say things that make others feel inferior or will just lash out if we ask her a question. It creates a negative vibe in the office.
We also carpool and when in a good mood, she is a great conversationalist. Everyone at work has been patient with her because no one wants to “rock the boat” seeing that we have all just started this job.
Should we confront this situation head on or wait it out? My fear is that if we confront it, the situation can get worse and our jobs can be on the line.
Sincerely,
Perturbed Yet Patient
Dear Perturbed:
You are indeed patient. Sometimes, however, patience is an enabler of awful behavior if without action.
This is the kind of person who has a passion for everything she says and does. The problem is, her intensity spills over into her interactions and negatively effects people when she’s not on her “A” game.
This is a real issue for her, as much as it is for those around her.
She needs a mirror to her behavior. We see her as a pretty special person. Her intelligence rarely has a way to be expressed, so when she’s forced into a box, she gets irate.
It’s important you not put her in any boxes, in other words, don’t assume anything about why she is being that way.
Start asking her what’s bothering her when she appears unhappy about something. The more you do that the more she’ll realize no one’s concerned with what concerns her, and she’ll ease off the pedal.
We also see in her aura that she suffers from women’s physical issues. This affects her worst of all when she drinks caffeinated drinks.
To reiterate, she needs a mirror to understand how she’s behaving. You will only make things worse if you accuse her of something. So never do that, instead, ask her what’s wrong. It’s really that simple.
Don’t hide from her mood swings, temper them, by asking “Hey, are you okay? Is there something wrong?” And, “How can I help?”
