Overbearing colleague

Melisandre121

I've just started a new job this week and my manager has left one of my colleagues on the team to look after me, answer any questions I have etc.

The problem is she is completely overbearing, I have experience in the field I work in but she's treating me like I'm stupid. She's very patronising and she keeps asking what I'm doing and is constantly turning around and asking how I'm getting on and what I've done so far. She also listens in to my phone conversations and comments on them afterwards.
At one stage I was chatting with colleagues and she turned around and said "what have you done today?"
I wouldn't mind but I'm more than capable at what I'm doing.

I know it's only my first week and maybe I shouldn't be complaining, but this is stressing me out and making it harder for me to get on with my work knowing she's watching and listening to everything I do. I have no idea how to approach this. Any suggestions?

bp

She is probably taking her responsibility seriously and trying to be helpful. Give it a week or two. I doubt it is on purpose but just seeing what you can/ cannot do

Penn

Melisandre121 wrote: »

I wouldn't mind but I'm more than capable at what I'm doing.

You know that, but they don't. They need to make sure you're doing things not just correctly, but also in line with how they do it (depending on the job obviously, but different companies might do the same things in different styles etc).

Ultimately she's been given the responsibility of training you and making sure you're doing things correctly. You know you can do that, but she doesn't know you.

Give it a week or two. It'll ease off as you show your capabilities.

Rubberchikken

she may be taking her responsibility a little more seriously than another person would.
try to accept what she's doing with good grace. see how things go.
maybe a mention at the end of the week about how you're appreciating her support and how, with it, you're really starting to get the hang of things.
good luck in the new job:)

intheclouds

Id let it slide for a week or two and then gently nudge back when she asks you how you are getting on with "Fine thanks, Ill give you a shout if I need any assistance".

Rock77

Hey OP,

I started a job 2 days ago and its so busy nobody has any time to train me! Im trying to figure it out myself! I wish that woman worked here!

When she asks you a question just tell it like it is without being rude. 'what have you done today' tell her what you did.
Sounds like she's on a bit of a power trip but when you settle in you can put her in her place!