Last week I submitted a project, and it turned out quite well. My manager also congratulated me in an email sent to the entire team. But a colleague replied to that email with something like, “Well, of course, the easiest part fell to him.” Everyone read that response. I was very upset, but I didn’t say anything. Do you think I should have spoken up, or was it better to stay silent?
9 Answers
9Something very similar happened to me as well. I had prepared a report at my old workplace, and the boss thanked me in front of the team. But right after that, an employee said, ‘You always do the easiest tasks anyway.’ Honestly, I didn’t stop at all; I replied, ‘You say it’s easy, but the result is clear,’ and that ended the conversation. I think you should have responded at that moment too.
So did this person say such indirect things to you before, or is this the first time? And do you think the manager saw this response? 
@meltemsi has made a few subtle digs before, but it wasn’t this blatant. I think the manager has seen it because that email was sent to everyone.
I don’t understand this, why did you stay silent? I mean, you literally let them crush you in such an environment. Instead of venting here, you should have spoken up right at that moment. Now, even if you say something, it will give the impression that it’s in the past, and you’ll be wasting your effort.
Such insinuating or mocking behaviors are unprofessional and can affect workplace psychology. I think it’s sensible to share this situation with your manager in a private setting. Additionally, you can express that boundaries need to be set during team meetings in a more general sense. It can be resolved without addressing that person in a one-on-one discussion.
@bilgehan You’re approaching it so formally that I’m surprised. Not everything at work can be solved by procedures. If he just gives a stern look and says, ‘Is this funny, dude?’ would the guy ever say anything again? You need to be confident enough to stand up for yourself.
If I had a daughter, I would say to her, sweetheart, you need to stand firm in the workplace. If someone tramples on you, you should react, but in a calm and assertive manner. Otherwise, they will always underestimate you. Business life doesn’t work any other way. But never belittle that person, just defend your rights.
These kinds of people do it out of jealousy, so don’t worry about it. Just keep doing your job; those who appreciate your successes will understand.
I am against this being exaggerated. At work, everyone makes a few jabs; the main issue is whether you react or not. While the manager is writing you a note, your friend has already become a ghost; their criticism can’t hurt you. Not everything requires a response; sometimes, staying silent is the biggest answer 