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OFFICE-POLITICS REPLY BY DR. RICK BRANDON AND DR. MARTY SELDMAN<\/strong><\/p>\n Dear Coldly Ignored,<\/p>\n Based on all the data that you provided it does seem that your coworker does have negative feeling about you.<\/p>\n Consult others in your network<\/strong> Negotiate with your Coworker<\/strong> Talk to a Supervisor<\/strong> Thanks for writing to Office-Politics.<\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/p>\n Rick Brandon, Ph.d. and Marty Seldman, Ph.D. Co-authors,![\"dr.](\"\/images\/brandon.jpg\")
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\nWhat we don’t know is if this is a reaction to your personality and\/or behavior or would she act this way towards anyone who came into the space. We always suggest that building a network is a very high priority and in your situation we think it is essential. This is because we think that this is the best place to start to find out why she is treating you this way. Often people in your network have a much better insight into what is going on. When you inquire please make sure that you are respectful about her. Put your inquiry in the context of trying to find out how to work better together and to learn if you are doing anything wrong. This usually yields useful information and if your questions get back to her that may be positive too in that she may disclose what is going on to someone.<\/p>\n
\nIf this doesn’t work then it leaves you with the option of gently asking her for feedback. If she is not forthcoming or doesn’t want to discuss it we think it is reasonable for you to ask for clear agreements on the minimum communication you two need to accomplish your objectives. This action on your part will either move her in the right direction or at least you can document that you have tried to find a workable agreement.<\/p>\n
\nThe last resort, with documentation on what you have already tried, would be to talk with a supervisor asking for help. Again try to avoid badmouthing; explain that you are not looking for a friend, chit chat or anything beyond a business relationship that allows you to achieve your best in this environment. Hopefully you won’t need to do this but if in fact her avoidance of you is impacting your performance, and not just your feelings, a supervisor may need to get involved.<\/p>\n
\nSurvival of the Savvy<\/a>: High-Integrity Political Tactics for Career and Company Success<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Rick Brandon, Ph.d. and Marty Seldman, Ph.D. are Co-authors, Survival of the Savvy: High-Integrity Political Tactics for Career and Company Success. Dr. Rick Brandon is CEO of Brandon Partners. He has consulted and trained tens of thousands at corporations worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries. Dr. Marty Seldman is one of America\u2019s most experienced executive coaches. His 35-year career includes expertise in executive coaching, group dynamics, cross-cultural studies, clinical psychology, and training.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"