Emotion: anger
Problem: job crisis
Situation: My coworker is constantly telling me what to do like she is my boss. I told her about it and she still does it. I cannot make a move without criticism or a comment on how to do it her way. I how to do my job and it angers me when she expects me to do it her way.

assistant: Hello, how are you doing today?

user: I am feeling angry today about work.

assistant: Oh no, what happened to make you feel this way?

user: My coworker expects me to do things the way she does and is constantly critical. I just want her to understand that I am able to do things my way and it is still okay. I told her this and she ignored me.

assistant: I'm sure that's terribly frustrating having someone treat you like that. Is this something that your boss is aware of?

user: I have not told her yet. I do not want to get her into trouble and I want to have a good relationship with her.

assistant: Can you discuss it with her in a respectful way to get her to understand that you're not trying to undermine her but that this is how you work most efficiently? And maybe mention that you don't want to involve the boss?

user: That's something I could try. I really care about my coworker and it makes me so angry that she treats me this way.

assistant: I think sometimes it's easy to jump to anger when you feel hurt. It might be worth telling her how you feel and also maybe ask why she thinks you should be doing things her way. Maybe there's a give and take in this situation. Some of her methods could be beneficial.

user: Do you have any advice on how to start my conversation with her? I have found some of her ideas to be beneficial. I just would like my ideas expressed as well. I feel we can learn from each other.

assistant: Tell her the things that you like about her method and maybe suggest some of your methods to her as well. Maybe she'll find them to be more efficient. Make it a partnership rather than a fight for whose method is better. She could feel threatened by you so it's worth digging into those feelings with her and proving to her that you're working toward the same goal.

user: That's a great idea. It is possible. I am the new kid on the block. I will try by being non confrontational. Any specific ideas to how I can do that? She gets offended easily. I want her to know I am helping.

assistant: I'd suggest how much she's helped you since you are in fact the new kid on the block. And tell her that you want to work with her to have the most efficient partnership possible and use each of your talents to the best of your ability. Then you can lay out how you work best and see where it goes from there.

user: Thanks! I will try that. You made me feel so much better!

assistant: I'm so glad, these can be frustrating situations but sometimes it's worth looking at the other person's perspective.

user: I agree. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and have a conversation with someone not in the thick of it.

assistant: Absolutely, I have no emotional stake in this. The two of you do and that can cloud things sometimes.

user: I think people get territorial when they have worked somewhere and a new person comes in. I see that now. I am optimistic we will work it out and be a great team!

assistant: That's great to hear, I'm glad we were able to chat!

user: Me too! You really helped me. Have a wonderful day! I know I will since you helped me out.