Telling people to butt out?

Hi all!

How do you politely tell your colleagues to butt out of a situation... actually, how do you tell them to butt out of everything?  I have a colleague here who is doing their best to stir trouble (possibly on purpose).  By this, I mean that they keep 'mentioning' inaccurate information to other colleagues, who then come and harrass me for an explanation - things that are nothing to do with them, or in fact me.  The staff member also comes to me with the most ridiculous queries, fighting against policies and management decisions.  (I'm a PA for reference).

A bit vague, but I hope you get the general idea.  This is starting to become a real issue, and the person in question (a peer) is a very forceful personality - to everyone at all levels of the organisation.

It's taking all of my energy to remain polite and calm.   

[gee4]

I never understand why people act in this manner.

Have you mentioned this to your boss or line manager?  I am sure others will have questioned the "inaccurate information" they are receiving from this person and how bad it makes you look.  It's also very unprofessional.

Are you able to speak to this person and address the issues yourself?

[Rocket]

You will encounter this type of person wherever you go, sadly.  It is a waste of time enquiring why they are like they are; it is rather like asking a fire why it burns.  However, you do need a strategy or several to deal with them.

Ignoring this person is always and option, but I fear it won't work; such people flourish like weeds if they are not challenged.

The first thing is to "start small" and approach the person yourself for a quiet word or to pick them up the very next time they start stirring the pot.  You could tell this person that you understand they have said ABC and this is unfortunate because it isn't true, you don't appreciate what they are telling people because it is incorrect and causing confusion, yadda-yadda.  Depending on the seriousness of the "misinformation", you can mention this matter to your manager and explain that it concerns you because you are getting lots of flack, and let him take over.

The other strategy is to say, with as much humour as you can muster, to people who approach you "Oh, you must have been talking to (Person's name).  That's a bit of a mistake!"  Chances are that they will go back to her and challenge her, so you don't need to.

The third strategy is to go straight to your manager, although he might not thank you for it.  It is unlikely that this person, if she is known to be a strong personality who stands up to management, has escaped their notice. Her card will no doubt have been "marked" ages ago; management just wouldn't tell you.

If you are working at a senior level, you will have access to all sorts of privileged information.  When people ask me about things, I either answer that "I don't know" (often untrue, but I can make it sound convincing) or that "I'm not at liberty to say" (always true and generally silences people immediately).

I hope you find this helpful.   

Celeste

[diamondlady]

The I don't know is easier to deal with, as some people may find the I'm not at liberty to say means you know something. Be careful in the person you are dealing with in that one as they will LOVE to confront you and make sure you DON'T know.... My .02 cents.