Get advice on how to deal with jerks at work Check out the book 'Jerks At Work' and other titles by Ken Lloyd Ph.D. Return to the JerksAtWork.com homepage Learn more about Ken Lloyd, Ph.D. Submit a question to Ken Lloyd, Ph.D.
 

You asked, Ken answers ...

This item is filed under these categories:
Jokes and Jokers Humor

I had a report stored in the documents file in my computer, and my manager asked to see a copy of it. When I tried to access it, I couldn't find it. I went into a complete state of panic. It turned out that a couple of co-workers had moved the report as a joke. I blew up at them and they said I have no sense of humor. I got the report to my manager, but I am still upset. Do I have a right to be?



When it comes to lacking a sense of humor, your co-workers are at the top of the list. Their practical joke was neither practical nor a joke. They must have forgotten one of the key elements of humor: it is supposed to be funny.

Their action is better described as being a dirty trick. It is mean spirited, malicious, and hurtful.

You certainly have a right to be upset, but frankly it is not worth the effort. In fact, if you continue stewing over these co-workers, all you are doing is letting their pathetic joke continue.

You expressed your disapproval to them, and hopefully you indicated that this type of nonsense has to stop. In addition, if you did not discuss the incident with management, you should think about doing so now, and definitely do so if there is a repeat performance. Management is not amused by employees who secretly enter a co-worker's computer and start moving files around as some sort of joke. In fact, employees who do this may find that they are the ones who get moved around.




Comment on this item

Your name (optional)
If you leave this blank, we'll list you as "Website visitor"


Your comments
Please keep your comments focused on the topic. Thanks!