[dawniesoo]

Last week a person called and needed information on some invoices-the person in charge of this area was out for the day. When I told him this he became upset saying that his auditor was in and he really needed the information. I wanted to help the guy out so I shot his email out to the entire finance team asking if they could help him since the person was out. The only person in that day was this person's boss and she said that she would help the guy out.

Monday morning the lady who was out came into my office and raked me through the coals for sending that email to her department. I’m not sure why she was so upset but I would imagine she thought that I was trying to make her look bad. Regardless, it was very unprofessional and I didn’t appreciate the way she talked to me. I wanted to go to her boss to file a complaint but wasn’t sure of what would happen if I did. I don't want her to talk to me like this again but I really don't want a big conflict. What should I do?

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Hi there - Wow. This sounds like a dilemma for sure. Here are a few thoughts off the top of my head:

You didn't really do anything "wrong" because you had to help the client. You did what you thought was best to get the necessary assistance for him. It doesn't sound like you intended to make the woman who was out of the office look bad...however, in the process, you may have. The fact of the matter is this - everyone deserves a day off now and again. This woman was out of the office so someone had to handle her tasks. No big deal. However, it sounds like perhaps this woman didn't do something she should have before being out for the day...that's pure speculation but why else would she be so upset, unless you showed her up for failing to do something?

Whatever the reason, she's upset and it's not your fault. You did what you could to help the client. She got angry because (for whatever reason) she felt you had singled her out in front of her team. And it sounds like she was completely unprofessional to you with her outburst. Now...how to handle it...

This is what I would do: nothing. Right now, let the storm blow over. It sounds like this person was upset and people don't think clearly when they're upset. If she was abusive and you feared for your safety, seek the assistance of HR immediately. If she was just rude and angry, let it go. Give her a few days to simmer down and then, if this is a relationship you want to save, go to her and apologize. Let her know that it wasn't your intention to cause a conflict or single her out. Explain what happened and why you did what you did. Chances are, she'll probably be over it by then.

Of course, I want to be sure that you know that if she (or anyone) is ever abusive or if the problem persists, you should absolutely go to HR. No question. I just don't want to see you blow the situation up even bigger if it's something that will blow over on it's own with time.

I realize that no one appreciates being yelled at, or spoken sternly to, but in the workplace tempers flare and we're all guilty of letting our emotions get the best of us on occasion. I'm sure this woman was just embarrassed that her boss had to cover for her when she was gone. Again - NOT YOUR FAULT. She's misplaced her anger here and I think she'll realize it quickly. She may even come and apologize to you.

Good luck to you - I hope this helps and please check in and let us know how it all goes.

[Karen Loughman]

I agree with Chrissy - don't do anything. The lady who was out of the office should have someone covering for her and she didn't tell anyone who that was. That's certainly not your fault - and you did have a legitimate need for the client.

In a situation like that, the only thing I would have done differently is call the lady's boss or supervisor and ask who is covering in her absence and state why you need to know.

[hetepheres]

Yes, there isn't much you can do.

IMO, The email you sent showed that she had not delegated to anyone or told you there was a delegation done to whomever, if there was one. Sounds like she's just upset at her own mistake and took it out on you.

[kgarcia]

I agree with Karen. Miss Hothead should have designated someone to cover for her. I too would wait a few days before you approach her about it. Maybe you could tell her to shoot you an e-mail next time she is going to be out and let you know who will be handling her area. That would be a subtle suggestion to her and won't sound like you are trying to tell her how to handle her job.