ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > October > 22 > Entry
How to outsmart on-the-job pranksters
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just in time for the Halloween season, Chandra Fox gives tips on how to deal with those co-workers whose “tricks” are getting out of hand.
We all love the funny employee, but where do you draw the line? A comment to you from a co-worker such as “1960 is on the phone and want their clothes back” about your vintage outfit is funny, but not always. The jokes become less funny when it comes to your co-worker stealing your office supplies and rearranging your desk for laughs. There is a time and place for everything and when you are trying to close a new account or you have a lot of work to do, it may not be so funny.
Who wants to be the bad guy? Nobody! So you have to figure out how to handle the prankster at work without ending up with more pranks or seeming like “Goody Two Shoes.” Here is how. Talk to the prankster alone (they thrive in an audience) and let them know that you have a system to allow you to maintain organization and when all the things on your desk are hidden, it makes your job harder. Tell them you would really appreciate it if the prankster could leave the things on your desk alone. What do they think? Doable? If you speak up, the prankster is more than likely going to back off, simply because of the direct confrontation. Pranksters do not typically like being called on their pranks.
What if the pranks do not stop and you’ve tried everything? If you have tried directly confronting the prankster and it has not worked out, it may be time to involve the boss. Maybe you ask the boss if you could meet with them. In your meeting, let your boss know the pranks that have been played on you and how they have affected your work performance.
Document, Document, Document! It is important in today’s workplace that you document the conversations that you have had with the prankster and then the conversation you had with your boss when unfortunate situations arise at work. Date and time stamp each conversation. Then write a follow-up on what happened after each meeting - for example: “Bob” has not had pranks in 3 days. On day 4 - your stapler was in jello. Bob was laughing and asked what flavor of jello you like best.
So look on the bright side, your co-workers have a sense of humor, but now you must manage this sense of humor. Be sure that you take the proper steps to ensure the prankster and pranks are handled properly. Go as far up the corporate ladder to solve the problem. Nobody should have to bear that at work everyday.
What’s the worst prank a co-worker has pulled on you? Did you laugh or did it make you mad?
Comments