DEAR HARRIETTE: I work on commission at a department store. "Jenna" is new to our location, and she has been poaching my customers by waiting outside their dressing rooms or even coming up to me while I am assisting them. She always says a line about how she'll be a better associate because it'll be like “girl time” for her and the customer. Jenna has stolen enough of my sales to drive me crazy. How do I end her sneaky ways? -- Not Your Turf, Los Angeles
DEAR NOT YOUR TURF: Speak to your supervisor, and explain your frustration. Ask for support in delineating customers who are rightfully yours. Ask your supervisor to reinforce the rules of teamwork and commission that are followed in your store. Remind your supervisor of your performance on the job prior to Jenna’s arrival. Point out that you have no problem working alongside Jenna and that you believe there should be enough clients for everyone. What you do not appreciate is Jenna undercutting you and stealing your customers. Tell your boss that you are worried that her attitude will poison the staff, as it is already very upsetting to you. Implore your boss to observe the dynamics between Jenna and you and the other sales associates so that she can see for herself what you are talking about.
Beyond that, you may need to become more assertive with your customers. Tell them your name when you start working with them. When they go into the dressing room, remind them of your name and let them know you will be back to check on them in a few minutes.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)