Title: Is it my place? Post by: jadegrniiz on February 03, 2003, 03:37:05 pm I work for a non-profit Hospice.
The empty office in front of my desk has now been filled with a new Director. It's a new position in our organization, and "Marge" was hired. Marge has never worked in healthcare, nor has she any background in non-profit organizations. Her background is in Chemical Sales, and she is a real "bulldog" sales lady. Very aggressive. Our organization is NOT aggressive, and our lack of aggression is what makes us unique from other Hospices in our area. It's what makes us successful. Marge is not my boss, nor do I support her in any way. She is simply utilizing the office in front of my desk because it was available. Her "crew" of staff will occupy some empty cubicles outside her office. These cubes were previously used by my department for storage, and since Marge's staff will be out of the office 95% of the time, I was told it was OK to leave our things in those overhead cubicle storage areas. Marge came on board 3 weeks ago. This past 3 weeks has been nothing but turmoil to me and everyone else within earshot of Marge. Here are the most unbelievable of her actions so far: -While asking me to do something for her (which I declined to do) she noticed the photos of my 2 kids. She noticed my oldest (almost 11) and youngest (16 months), and proudly guessed that the oldest was actually a niece or sister, and baby was mine. When correcting her with a "I didn't do drugs or drink when I was a teenager, but I did have a baby." she launched into a tyraid about it - and said I might has well have done all those things, because at least they aren't permanent. It was a very offensive comment, and very ignorant. -She mocks her staff members she doesn't like. Case in point is her Medical Community Liason, who solicits doctors to refer patients to OUR Hospice (think pharmacutical sales type job). Liason is very timid, and, well... to be honest isn't a very trendy dresser, has glasses the size of her face and walks sort of hunched forward. While standing in front of my desk, speaking to another staff member, she mocked the Liason's walk and said she wants someone who can walk in with confidence, not ::::insert mockery of Liason here::: -She wants the above mentioned liason to dress more "trendy", lose some weight and buy new glasses, so that she can achieve the "look" Marge thinks she should have. -Marge is all over the place with ideas, and many times it has nothing to do with her department, but rather, mine and also the department of the other admins in my area. She "bashes" our bosses for their strategies, and says it like "her way" is the "only" way to be successful. -Marge frequently receives personal calls on her mobile phone, and chats for long periods of time. Last week, she was cleaning out my storage cubicles for her staff to use, and got a call. Instead of stopping (or hanging up), she put her hands free set on the phone, and walked around the office chatting about her former job for 30 minutes. Ok, so here's my question: Is it out of line for me to go to HR, and give an "insider tip" about how Marge is doing? I'm comfortable enough with our HR Manager to do this, and I feel that what I say would in fact remain anonymous. Am I off base? And secondly, how the heck can I tune her out? Jadegrniiz Peer Moderator Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: blufire21 on February 03, 2003, 04:49:21 pm Well, there are a few things that you can speak up on. #1 being her tyraid about your kids. She had no right to say anything like that, and you can and should talk to HR about that. You could mention the comments about her Liason also. Since such things are happening at your desk, and you can't help but overhear. I would say something like: "I know it's not my place, but such and such has been happing in front of my desk. Hearing such stuff makes me feel very uncomfortable. Also, I would mention to your boss about her trashing the other departments. Let you're boss know that the trash talk might work its way to her department. That way she is aware of the situation. That's her problem not yours.
Keep us posted. Ellen in TX Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: radaro on February 03, 2003, 05:01:59 pm OMIGOSH, she's got a lot of nerve to invade your personal life. None of her darn business. By the way, using drugs and alcohol can be permanent, too. Shows how much she knows. Of the three, I'd rather have the baby - much less damage and a lot more love.
Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: deedee on February 03, 2003, 07:08:19 pm Well, Jade, while Marge sounds like an overbearing pain in the ***, and I can totally relate to your experiences with her, how have her actions/remarks affected your work? Certainly her personal remarks are offensive and unnecessary (isn't it a shame we can't relive those moments when we have had time to think of a snappy comeback?), her long personal calls are intrusive and her behavior towards her staff is downright rude, when it comes down to it, is Marge affecting how your work gets done? I have had my share of problem co-workers, as other forum members may know from my posts, and I have had to adopt the philosophy that as long as that person, no matter how much of a jerk, isn't actually impacting the way in which I work, and my efficient performance, then you may just have to, as my daughter says, suck it up. As for ways to tune her out, you can always cover your ears and say "la-la-la-la, I can't hear you". (OK, that's a joke). My sympathies are totally with you, and I totally think her comments on your personal life and the spacing of your children are completely irrelevant, if that's any help! I married at a very young age and had my first daughter so young, that people often mistake my granddaughter for my own child, and I am nearly 50!
Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: andream on February 03, 2003, 07:10:24 pm She's a lawsuit waiting to happen if she equates your liason's job effectiveness with her looks. The rest? She's a jerk and unfortunately there are no laws against being a jerk, however what IS actionable is basing job competance on appearance and any statement to that end, could be a potential mine field. Lose weight buy new glasses?! What the HECK does that have to do with the fact that the woman was obviously compentant enough to land the job and apparently has the skills to do it. I would approach HR about THESE issues from an "Is this illegal or bad for our company?" point of view. Or perhaps, I am concerned that Liason might overhear these comments and wonder if they present any liability for us.
The liability will depend on how your particular HR manager understands US employment law and whether or not she considers the ramifications of the bigger picture if the Liason might ever decide that she was dismissed or demoted because of the way she dresses. The other issues, you have with this individual can come out naturally if the conversation should go in that direction. My tuppence! Andrea Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: jadegrniiz on February 03, 2003, 10:08:39 pm Well, I suppose after today it's time I quit going home with a stiff neck from all the tension, and make a point tomorrow to speak to my good buddy, the HR Director.
You know what she did today? She sat in her office with the door wide open, and offered someone a job. She woooed the woman with all the wonderful benefits, and then said, "I know the salary isn't all the great, frankly, I'm ashamed to offer it to you, but it's all I could get for you. The offer is $18.08 per hour, which amounts to $37,606." My jaw hit the floor. This is just another liason position, and I BARELY make $20k per year - and my boss had to step on toes to get even that much. I'm truly offended, and even a bit jealous. But I couldn't help but listen - after all, she's RIGHT here in front of me. After I heard the salary, I got up from my desk, and went to my boss (who is out of my immediate office area and cannot see or hear what goes on unless I tell her). My boss was blown away, as well.... because Marge isn't even AUTHORIZED to make offers of employment. That's saved for the HR manager. Oh, well. Jadegrniiz Peer Moderator Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: raindance on February 03, 2003, 11:22:18 pm Interestingly enough, Jade, my last employment was working in a hospice - I worked there for nine years. I would be very surprised if this lady survives much longer without a major attitude check. . It takes a certain calibre of person to work in a hospice and this lady doesn't seem suitable. She's doing a very efficient job of working herself OUT of a job.
Let us know how you get on. Raindance Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: patphi on February 04, 2003, 01:44:47 pm I would advise go to HR QUICK - do not waste a minute. She is not only a lawsuit waiting to happen - the comments about your personal life as well as those about her liason are not only inappropriate, they at least border on hassament if not out and out so.
Many companies have a 90 day policy in which they can let an associate go with no questions asked. However, if they hit that 91st day it takes an "Act Of God" to get rid of them. Don't know if your company has this policy or not; if they do you need to bear this in mind. I say you have no choice. HR or at the least Marge's supervisor needs to be aware of her crass treatment of others. As for the talking on the hands free phone while working, this is an irritant to add to many others; however, not actionable. Although it does go to show just how unprofessional she is. In making your comments to HR maintain a high degree of professionalism. Tell them what you have observed without emotions creeping in. Then let it go! For you own peace of mind and sanity. Pat In Orlando Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: mathwhizchick on February 04, 2003, 02:17:10 pm Jade, the thought has struck me--in reading all the things she is doing, it seems to me that she WANTS to be overheard, that her actions are calculated and deliberate, e.g., she WANTED you to hear about the job offer she made.
I understand that she may be one of those people who are too dense to realize how their actions and conversations are taken. However, there is the flip side as well. I've seen and had to deal with both. It does open up an entirely different can of worms, as well as a whole new set of speculations about motive and sanity. You've gotten very good advice. Good luck and keep us posted as you are able. :) Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: jadegrniiz on February 05, 2003, 08:54:55 pm Well, I talked to HR.... and she was flabbergasted. She acknowledged it was inappropiate and we talked some more, I was able to completely vent - and then the HR manager thanked me and we were done.
Jadegrniiz Peer Moderator Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: raindance on February 05, 2003, 10:10:16 pm That took some courage, Jade. Now, what is HR going to do about your coworker? I hope it is something constructive and beneficial for you and all your other colleagues.
Raindance Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: blufire21 on February 05, 2003, 10:43:39 pm I'm glad you were able to voice your concerns and have them heard. Please keep us posted.
Ellen in TX Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: bethalize on February 05, 2003, 11:11:47 pm Absolutely, good for you - but what is going to be done?
I know it's a hassle, but documenting everything, including what has gone up to now, would probably be wise. Bethalize Peer Moderator Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: jadegrniiz on February 05, 2003, 11:35:11 pm Document - you betcha!
Been doing that since the first sign of trouble with this woman. I don't know what exactly our HR can/will do as of right now, but I know SOMETHING will be done. Our HR manager is pretty strict about what is right and wrong, and never has a problem telling someone they are breaking the rules. I just hope this woman isn't SO unprofessional that she figures out who "ratted" her out... and she retaliates. We'll see... and thanks to everyone for the input and support :) Jadegrniiz Peer Moderator Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: mathwhizchick on February 06, 2003, 02:13:51 pm If she does retaliate, document and go back to HR.
:) Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: mlm668 on February 06, 2003, 04:24:58 pm Regardless of her other behavior, she has no right to comment on your family situation in the manner she did. I wouldn't have shown half the restraint you did. I had my first child at 17 (my senior year) and my parents later adopted him. I've run into the opposite situation when folks see his picture on my desk and I say he's my brother. But never once have I been insulted in that manner when I explain that he is actually my son, etc., etc. He knows the whole story and that I love him and that is all that matters. Being a teenage mother is not the end of the world, as you well know. I know many women who "started young" and the only difference between us and those we grew up with is that we "got caught" and they didn't. At least we took responsiblity for our circumstances. If anything, I think it makes me a better, more understanding mother with my daughters. It gives me something to use as an example of why they shouldn't give in to certain behaviors - they see the consquences of those choices.
Kill this woman with kindness and remember that you are the better person. I know it will be hard to tune her out, but document what adversely affects you and your employer. Eventually something will be done. Michelle ![]() Title: Update! Post by: jadegrniiz on February 06, 2003, 07:39:36 pm Well, the HR director came in just before lunch and said to Marge: "I'm going to ABC Pizza for lunch, wanna join me?" Naturally, Marge agreed.... they were gone for 2 hours, and so far, Marge has been eerily quiet since she got back. Didn't even make her "Grand" appearance "I'm BAAAAACK!" comment that she normally makes. Been real quiet. Even while talking on the phone to others.
Guess she was talked to. I sure hope it gets better. Jadegrniiz Peer Moderator Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: jadegrniiz on February 06, 2003, 09:54:01 pm Ok.... afternoon update:
She's been quiet all afternoon, and just a few minutes ago stood in front of us all (there are 3 admins) and said "You know guys - if there something I say or do that offends you, can you tell ME as opposed to going to Ms. Executive Director? I mean, I'm certainly open for criticism, and I sure wish you'd come to me before going to my boss." Inappropriate to bring it up, maybe.... but at least I know she was spoken to. Jadegrniiz Peer Moderator Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: Jackie G on February 06, 2003, 11:29:38 pm But Jade, she was so insensitive to all your feelings that she clearly hadn't a clue she was, until your HR director talked to her. Good thing too, hopefully things will calm down - keep us posted, we know you will!
Jackie www.iqps.org Peer Moderator ![]() Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: raindance on February 06, 2003, 11:52:59 pm Make a note of what she said in your diary and don't mention it to her unless you need to at some stage. Sounds as though we have had our wings clipped a bit - she won't forget it. I hope this spells the start of a better working relationship for you all.
Best of luck. Raindance Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: blufire21 on February 07, 2003, 12:06:35 am Ok, allow me to play the devil's advocate for a second. It sounds to me like she was trying to put herself on the map right off the bat. Now I'll agree that what she did was not right, but I'm thinking by her last comment that she was really trying to make a big (not saying good) first impression. I still think what she did was very crass and inconsiderate, but I do see why she might.
Ellen in TX Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: patphi on February 07, 2003, 01:44:40 pm I'm glad to hear it's going better.
Maybe she did want to make a big "splash" so to speak. But there are more appropriate ways to do it. Believe me, I've seen some of the same type of behavior and if it is not "nipped in the bud" it continues to get worse. Congratulations on the courage to stand by your convictions. And good luck. Keep us posted on how things go. Pat in Orlando Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: chris68 on February 07, 2003, 04:03:49 pm Believe me it will rear its ugly head again and probably much worse the second time. Just keep in mind that things are that way and watch out. Keep it business oriented converstations only and it should be okay. I've seen this before, just be careful.
Lets hope the worst of it is over. Chris68 Peer Moderator ![]() Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: countrigal on February 07, 2003, 04:43:09 pm There's always the chance that she has been "clipped" and will have learned from her errors. Congratulations on having the courage to go to the HR Director regarding this person at this time. Now that she has spoken, though, I would give her the benefit of the doubt and go to her directly next time. I'm thinking, if she's speaking on the phone, wandering around, being loud, etc... go to her, tap her on the shoulder, smile a professional smile, and politely ask her to lower her voice. The more personal issues (attacking you regarding the kids, the pay offer, making fun of other employee, etc) I wouldn't touch with anyone except HR, but some of these other issues might be able to be handled on a individual, person-to-person contact. If she has learned her lesson, this friendly reminder might be enough to make her new behavior turn into habit. If not, you'll still be documenting stuff, so you can always take it to HR again.
CountriGal Peer Moderator Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: jadegrniiz on February 08, 2003, 12:19:57 am OOooOh good grief. This woman is a piece of work.
This afternoon, we (3 admins + our 2 bosses + Marge) were all joking about "senior citizens discounts" offered at local stores. One of the bosses is notorious for shopping only in places she can get a discount, and from time to time we all raz her about it. Marge (who I think is in her upper 40s) jokingly said she was "39 and Waaaay too young for any discounts." Well, older bossie laughed, and said "ok, yeah right! Must be the 5th anniversary of your 39th Birthday, right?" Here's Marge's verbatim response: "If I weren't in such a decent office, I'd flip you a bird for that comment, Bossie.. :::she laughs:::: Heaven forbid I'd do aaaannnnnything like THAT, because then someone might go running to HR and TATTLE on me! :::::laughs::::::" So, off I go to my documentation journal....the way it's going now, I think I'll present it to HR on her 80th day of employment. (90 days is probabtion and can be terminated for any reason). Jadegrniiz Peer Moderator Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: peana on February 10, 2003, 04:05:02 pm She gets worse!
Maybe I'm a prude, but I don't think there are any work situations where you should 'flip someone a bird', especially if you've only been there a short time. It's one thing to laugh and joke with people, but behaviour like that in the office tends to escalate and should be left to a more social setting. Even then there are boundaries, and that is one I would never cross - she is absolutely unreal! I cannot believe she would be so dense to even think such a thing would be acceptable, especially since she's been warned about appropriate behaviour. Unfortunately I don't have any advice to offer you other than just keep making your notes. I hope things improve and don't forget we're always here for you to let off steam, rather than losing it with her. Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: andream on February 10, 2003, 04:39:33 pm Actually, she's fishing for allies in my opinion. She's determined that you guys, meaning the Admin team are the ones responsible for "ratting her out" so to speak, therefore she's going to try very hard to ingratiate herself with those she feels are more important, aka, the bossies. Before I can even begin to make further commentary, I simply MUST ask, what was bossie's response to her comment? Rather than smile and nod or even a participatory laugh, that comment should have been met with at the very least a stony stare and at the most, a quietly worded comment which clearly showed that this is not, was not and will not ever be a laughing matter.
Based on what you've told us if the person gets one whif of a potential ally, it could become an "US" and "THEM" scenario very very quickly. Title: Re: Is it my place? Post by: jadegrniiz on February 10, 2003, 06:21:34 pm I agree with the ally comment, Andrea. She seems to be trying her darndest to stay in high regard with the other Directors.
Her comment, however, was ignored. She had already walked into her office, so the shocked and scornful looks she got were not seen. I'm just documenting. I'm probably also going to start putting my feelers out into the job market... but I'll post about that in a seperate thread sometime today when I have the time. Jadegrniiz Peer Moderator |