Priscilla,

First off, you are not alone in your feelings of discontent RE: corporate culture. This is why comics like “Dilbert” and movies like “Office Space” are so popular. We spend the majority of our waking hours at work, so it’s natural if you see the same toxic people day in and day out it would wear on you.

Who knows what prompted this man’s behavior. It wasn’t professional. I’m not excusing that. However, in the dog eat dog world of the cubicle jungle the best way to move on is either 1) accept this is how he is and interact with him as little as possible 2) talk to him about what happened in a non confrontational manner, trying to probe as to why he kept putting you off (“hey, can I talk to you for a moment? When I asked for your help the other day with a couple issues, you kept referring me to the guidebook. While I realize that’s a value resource, I wanted your input. Did I interrupt you during something important? If I need additional clarification would it be better to reach out via email?” etc.) I found this approach very effective with difficult colleagues as it calls them out but also with the angle of trying to find a win-win resolution. I would avoid bringing bosses in to deal with this guy if you can help it – unless he’s doing something illegal management usually doesn’t want to play referee to in office infighting. Plus it makes you look weak in their eyes.

Best off luck!