This coworker emailed me last week saying I'm not good at my job and brought up his eight years of experience (only two at this company, though, compared to my seven years here, not to mention my previous career). Since he's not my boss, and we actually have the same supervisor, would just ignoring his rude email be the right move, or should I think about escalating it?

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Wow, that’s wildly unprofessional on his part. If it were me, I’d document everything, then give myself a little space before deciding. Ignoring might keep the peace, but if it becomes a pattern, I’d definitely loop in the supervisor. You deserve respect, period.

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That situation definitely calls for a professional and strategic response, especially since you both report to the same supervisor. Here’s how you could approach it: If the email was unprovoked, disrespectful, and personal (i.e., an attack on your competence rather than constructive feedback), it’s more than fair to consider escalating. Ignoring it might seem like the high road, but if this behavior could affect your work environment or reputation, silence might be interpreted as agreement or weakness.

It’s best to address it either directly or with your supervisor.

Professional Response

Here’s a firm option:

Subject: Regarding Your Recent Email

[Coworkers Name],

I want to be clear. am not asking for respect, I expect it, as a baseline for any professional interaction. Your recent email was inappropriate and crossed the line into personal criticism.

We are peers, and we both bring valuable experience to this team. Moving forward, I expect all communication to remain professional and constructive. If you have legitimate concerns about my work, I am open to discussing them with our supervisor present.

Let’s keep the focus on doing our jobs well and supporting a respectful team environment.

[Your Name]

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I wouldn't reply to the email and keep this fencing match going but I would definitely mention to my supervisor casually...this battle could turn into a war by error.

Need to have your supervisor contemplate team building on the side. You may not be aware of people or management building your reputation up in front of this newbie with the bruised ego

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Escalate it to HR, who can ignore it on your behalf. Your colleague is a muppet.

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Seven years there, and he’s coming at you like that? Sounds like he’s trying to flex for no reason. I’d document it just in case and maybe have a calm word with your supervisor if it happens again.

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Wow. The audacity here is staggering. If I was faced with this, I’d ask him about it just to see what’s what. Lord knows in my years in insurance I’ve worked with many a person whose work wasn’t up to snuff but I’d never cross a line and straight up tell them they were not good at their job. Sorry this happened to you

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I'm curious where that originated? Just out of the blue or was there some interaction prior to that where he felt the need to show superiority? I know I wouldn't ignore it. I would probably do the old face to face. Is he just a keyboard warrior? Whatever you do, print that email out with date and timestamp.

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Yes, I would ignore this person, its not worth the time to worry about these comments, you have a job and if you were not good at it the supervisor would advise you. some people are just not happy in life and want to take things out on people, stay focused on yourself and stay positive in live. not worth the time an effort to respond or get involved further. Have a good day and stay happy

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So he said that you’re not good at your job, did he give you a specific scenario where he thinks that is the case? Since we’re no longer at end of year reviews, does your company do midyear reviews? Do you think if that’s the case, he may be setting himself up for “giving feedback to my peers“?
Whether correctly or incorrectly, trying to understand his possible intention here.

Agree with the others to document this. It sounds like workplace harassment to me and I wouldn't tolerate it. Definitely report him to your manager or HR.

Forward a copy of the comparison memo to your supervisor and ask why they think your peer if doing this comparison or better yet ask your boss to lunch and show them the email

If he's saying to your face, he's saying it behind your back. Tell him one more word to you or anyone else about your work performance and you will take it to the top. Document everything.

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