Just overheard my b**** of a colleague

[Anonymous]

saying something negative about me to a superior.

I have no idea why this person hates me so much.

I think she knows I heard her say it. What do I do? Ignore? Say something to her?

[Anonymous]

Stop eavesdropping?

[Anonymous]

I think your actions depends on what she said, if there was truth in it and the potential future impact.

[Anonymous]

Well is it a lie or is there truth to what she told your supervisor?

[Anonymous]

Was it true? Or was it a subjective assessment?

I agree with PPs that a person does not have to hate you or be a "b****" to say something negative. If it could be true or it could be her sincere opinion. It is hard to overhear that stuff, but it doesn't make your colleague evil or nasty.

[Anonymous]

Eh, confront her loudly in front of the whole office. You don't have much to lose, with her, that is. She'll learn who she can passively aggressively bully.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eh, confront her loudly in front of the whole office. You don't have much to lose, with her, that is. She'll learn who she can passively aggressively bully.

Actually, a loud confrontation would make the OP look like the bully and would be highly unprofessional. Life isn't the movies. No good would come of that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eh, confront her loudly in front of the whole office. You don't have much to lose, with her, that is. She'll learn who she can passively aggressively bully.

Actually, a loud confrontation would make the OP look like the bully and would be highly unprofessional. Life isn't the movies. No good would come of that.

Ok then OP can do this in said colleague's office with the door shut. Yell as loud as you can without anyone outside hearing you.

[Anonymous]

It matters 100% what was said and whether it was true.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

It could have been true in HER opinion...though I have worked with her quite extensively in the past and she has always been very pleased with my work. Has never said a negative comment to my face. Just to others. I've always assumed as much. This just marks the first time I heard it with my own ears.

[Anonymous]

Sorry OP. How much power does she have? Do you have any mentors in the office you could feel out about how you are perceived?

[Anonymous]

Time for payback sister! You control the office politics or it will control you and you will out on your butt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Time for payback sister! You control the office politics or it will control you and you will out on your butt.

yup, x100

[Anonymous]

Oy. I've worked with this type.

Hopefully, the receving ear knows she's full of shit, or figures it out quickly. Document everything in email.