Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2014 9:14:56 GMT -5
Well I'm done speculating who's going to win this imaginary war. You all carry on, though!
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Virgil Showlion
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[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
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Post by Virgil Showlion on May 20, 2014 9:16:53 GMT -5
Let's change the topic to our disappointment that Beer isn't living up to her work potential. I open the floor to criticisms of her current job and suggestions of jobs she ought to have.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on May 20, 2014 9:17:12 GMT -5
Any coulda, shoulda, woulda's are superfluous at the point. He's not bringing it up anymore and she's not bringing it up anymore, so maybe we should stop bringing it up too? pffttt... what would we all do with our day then? I'd be stuck on the conference call from hell again.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2014 9:20:37 GMT -5
Let's change the topic to our disappointment that Beer isn't living up to her work potential. I open the floor to criticisms of her current job and suggestions of jobs she ought to have. Oooooohhhh! Now this sounds like fun! I can't think of any changes I could make to improve my performance around here.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2014 9:24:01 GMT -5
"I can't think of any changes I could make to improve my performance around here. " Bring beer for everyone in the office!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2014 9:27:59 GMT -5
That's only good until beer #3 or 4 and then I'd start telling them what I really think of them.
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justme
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Post by justme on May 20, 2014 9:29:31 GMT -5
I just want to say that "talking dismissively" about certain tasks is not the same thing as ignoring the tasks.
I've talked dismissively about tasks and put them at low priority, but it never means I didn't do them.
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Virgil Showlion
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Post by Virgil Showlion on May 20, 2014 9:40:45 GMT -5
I just want to say that "talking dismissively" about certain tasks is not the same thing as ignoring the tasks. I've talked dismissively about tasks and put them at low priority, but it never means I didn't do them. I remarked on that too, but depending on what's meant by "talking dismissively" it could be just as bad. Speaking in exasperated tones to communicate frustration is one thing; telling the boss "I guess I'll take care of that crap you assigned me" is another. As Beer points out, the situation is already resolved and so our discussion is somewhat moot.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2014 9:46:35 GMT -5
"That's only good until beer #3 or 4 and then I'd start telling them what I really think of them. " That is why you bring beer for everyone so they don 't remember
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on May 20, 2014 20:48:28 GMT -5
...:::"WWBG is correct. ... WWBG is also correct...":::... Pheonix and I seem to be like peas in a pod I really feel what he is feeling. I think I'm having sympathy pains. I am rooting for him. ...:::"This board is here for venting. I've done it and a lot of us have. I'm quite sure I will be as Princesses wedding approaches to keep me from making DF feel worse. Posters here have a way of talking to you and listening to you. Both are needed.":::... zibazinski, this post cannot be liked enough. I think we've all used the board to get perspective, or vent to people other than those around us. Its one of the great things about this community. I'm certainly willing to be a sounding board.
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on May 20, 2014 20:55:19 GMT -5
...:::"First of all, she is your manager, not vice versa so that shit wouldn't flying with you makes zero difference.":::...
Actually @bunnysmom, for all the venom out there about lazy un-fireable govies, there are 3-4 offenses which can result in near-instant dismissal. Under-reporting your hours is one of them. There are exceptions, but not for everyone. I am NOT suggesting phoenix record her time -- just addressing the inaccuracy.
...:::"They usually find a way around things or just don't do them so i wouldn't rely on being "irreplaceable" because noone is!":::...
OK again... not accurate. You know all that hate over government waste and frivolous spending? Your government IS responding, and budget cuts and hiring freezes are the norm. Positions are just NOT being filled. Pheonix' work would get thrust upon existing employees; and even with some extra hours, quality would suffer -- probably not a good idea with matters of nuclear safety.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2014 21:03:26 GMT -5
"Under-reporting your hours is one of them. There are exceptions, but not for everyone. I am NOT suggesting phoenix record her time -- just addressing the inaccuracy."
He has no clue what she does. Therefore, he has no clue if she is working from home, working on the weekends, etc to make sure she has her time in. So what i am saying is i wouldnt tell on her without having any knowledge because it can backfire.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2014 21:04:53 GMT -5
"Pheonix' work would get thrust upon existing employees; and even with some extra hours, quality would suffer -- probably not a good idea with matters of nuclear safety."
Good idea or not... I was just saying they would find a way. I would not count on being irreplaceable anywhere.
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justme
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Post by justme on May 20, 2014 21:10:28 GMT -5
I dunno, while I agree no one is replaceable, it's not like there's a booming industry out there for those certified in nuclear safety.
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on May 20, 2014 21:10:54 GMT -5
...:::"Good idea or not... I was just saying they would find a way. I would not count on being irreplaceable anywhere.":::...
It kind of makes a difference whether it is a bad idea though. "Irreplaceable" is an absolute and those seldom hold up. But the budget situation and his respective skills mean that they have to factor in how difficult and time consuming finding a replacement would be; as well as the risks of a decrease in work quality during the transition.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 6, 2014 1:07:39 GMT -5
Just thought I'd give an update.
After sitting on it for a month and a half my supervisor finally got around to issuing the written disciplinary action she said she would.
Turns out she's issuing letters of counseling, which are basically just an unofficial written reprimand. I won't be appealing it, since there's really nothing to appeal, being unofficial and all. She got rid of the language regarding insubordination in the letters. I suspect HR told her the same thing they told me, that you can't throw around accusations like that without meeting a strict standard of evidence.
I had my midyear review relatively recently. It wasn't as bad as I feared it would be, but still not good. She made sweeping changes to my PD (basically job description, what they use to evaluate performance) when she first started and then made additional changes just before my mid year review. She at least acknowledged I run the radiation safety program well and have a good working relationship with the scientists. I suspect I'll get a poor review at the end of the fiscal year. I'll do my best to in cooperate her "suggestions" but I have a pretty bleak outlook on how things will go in that regard.
I've been keeping copies of all my correspondence with her, and have started documenting her deficiencies (i.e. poor communication, unreasonable requests), just in case she tries something serious, and I need to produce evidence on short notice. But in general I don't plan on doing anything (i.e. complaining to higher management, appealing anything ect) unless she takes official action against me. I want her to be the aggressor in this situation, if it comes to that. Plus I want to demonstrate I am willing to work with her.
I am writing a response to the letter of counseling, which will be included in the file so anyone reading it can at least see my side of the story.
Ultimately though, I don't know. Sometimes she seems "out to get me" but I don't see why. Firing me would be a long and difficult process and really wouldn't gain them anything. I'm the only person who handles complex regulatory functions for my agency. Simply put, if I don't do the work, no one else is really qualified to do it, or won't have the time since there's so much. And they won't be able to hire anyone anytime soon. She just seems to have a sense of viciousness that I've never seen in a supervisor before. She just always seems to see anything I do in the most negative possible light and jump to the worst possible conclusions.
The job search is going well. I've applied for several jobs, and have had my resume forwarded to the selecting official for a few of them. With any luck, I'll be able to move on to a new job this fall or winter.
Regardless, I've taken steps where I can to try and do what she wants. I get all of her assignments done (even the dumb ones) on time, even though it frequently means late nights at the office and coming in on weekends. I use the whiteboard and verbally tell her whenever possible where I'm going and what I'm doing. I submit all my work for review just like she wants, and cc her on all correspondence just like she asked.
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Ombud
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Post by Ombud on Jul 6, 2014 5:33:00 GMT -5
I got a new boss. This particular boss is very new to the agency, in fact I sat on her interview panel. So she was rapidly promoted above me and is now my boss This has got to be tough. Did you apply for her position to? Sometimes moving on is the best option
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kjto1
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Post by kjto1 on Jul 6, 2014 6:15:15 GMT -5
Good luck on the job hunt! Hopefully you get a new job really soon.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2014 8:41:00 GMT -5
Have you thought about dating her? Maybe that could solve two of your problems?
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suesinfl
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Post by suesinfl on Jul 6, 2014 8:50:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the update. I was wondering how the job was going.
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achelois
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Post by achelois on Jul 6, 2014 19:45:40 GMT -5
Have you thought about dating her? Maybe that could solve two of your problems? Yeah, THAT sure sounds like the best of both worlds. She might just start criticizing his performance in other areas, too. He certainly doesn't need that!
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 6, 2014 20:38:45 GMT -5
I got a new boss. This particular boss is very new to the agency, in fact I sat on her interview panel. So she was rapidly promoted above me and is now my boss This has got to be tough. Did you apply for her position to? Sometimes moving on is the best option No, I didn't. Her job is for a general safety specialist. I'm too specialized to get her job, or get any promotion in general out of this agency. As I said earlier in the thread, the NRC, the DOE, and the Navy are where the real opportunities are.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 6, 2014 20:45:13 GMT -5
...:::"Good idea or not... I was just saying they would find a way. I would not count on being irreplaceable anywhere.":::... It kind of makes a difference whether it is a bad idea though. "Irreplaceable" is an absolute and those seldom hold up. But the budget situation and his respective skills mean that they have to factor in how difficult and time consuming finding a replacement would be; as well as the risks of a decrease in work quality during the transition. That's basically it.
I wouldn't go as far as to say "irreplaceable" I know there are others out there who could do my job. The problem is:
1. I am very specialized in my agency, as in, I'm the only one with the skills to do what I do. There's not a whole department of health physicists out there, just me.
2. I am responsible for keeping my agency in compliance with federal law, and out of trouble with regulators. This means if even if others try and pick up the slack as collateral duty, it's very likely something will be missed or not done right, and could result in the agency getting in trouble.
3. While not irreplaceable, there is a strict hiring freeze in place. While you can apply for exemptions, such things have to clear senior management, and generally the hiring process takes, at a minimum, a year. Most likely longer.
So again, I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm "irreplaceable" just that, given the specific nature of the job and the budget climate, it wouldn't be a smart move, at least right now. Obviously that could change at some point. Hopefully by then, I'll be off to greener pastures.
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Jul 6, 2014 20:54:57 GMT -5
Good luck on the job hunt! Hopefully you get a new job really soon.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jul 6, 2014 20:57:01 GMT -5
Seems like they'd expedite the whole exemption on the hiring freeze if they need someone to comply with govt regulations, but who knows? There are some pretty clueless bosses out there. Good luck to you on your job search!
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Jul 6, 2014 20:57:56 GMT -5
Too bad she can't appreciate how smart you are Pheonix. You have the right idea protecting yourself, but leaving her to be the aggressor. Let her screw things up for everyone else. You belong somewhere that you can be appreciated. Knowing your value and standing up for what you are worth are keys to being successful.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 10, 2014 23:27:48 GMT -5
*sighs*
Things have gone from bad to worse.
I can't go into the technical details but, basically, there was an incident where something happened, and as is typical, she always jumps to the worst possible conclusion. Now, basically, she's calling me a liar and saying I'm submitting false data and putting the public and employees at serious risk. And there are differing interpretations of the regulations.
She's threatening to pull me off my job duties "pending an investigation."
All I can do is keep documenting things and be ready to come out swinging when the time comes.
It just sucks that I'm always on the defensive, the burden of proof is always on me to prove I didn't screw up, not the other way around. And it sucks I have to just keep going in and doing my best, and just wait for the other shoe to drop.
I don't know. As always, I try not to get melodramatic about things, but I'd be lying if I said the stress isn't getting to me.
I'd like to think upper management would take my side, realize her deficiencies, or at least stay neutral, but I don't know.
Since she obviously doesn't believe me anymore, who knows what story she's cooking up?
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 11, 2014 1:40:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the encouraging words Hoops.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2014 1:44:59 GMT -5
So sorry to hear that. Will this affect your ability to pursue transfers? Just hoping that one of the applications you have done will help get you out of there. You know she has had it in for you since she started. She is not on your side, so it is questionable whether other management can be on your side. They have to continue working with her regardless of your outcome.
I will just wish you the best. You seem like a nice guy.
Can you get your own attorney when it comes to the investigation or any review of the alleged incident?
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 11, 2014 3:36:04 GMT -5
So sorry to hear that. Will this affect your ability to pursue transfers? Just hoping that one of the applications you have done will help get you out of there. You know she has had it in for you since she started. She is not on your side, so it is questionable whether other management can be on your side. They have to continue working with her regardless of your outcome. I will just wish you the best. You seem like a nice guy. Can you get your own attorney when it comes to the investigation or any review of the alleged incident? I don't believe it will affect my ability to pursue other jobs. The only way it could affect it is if a potential employer called her for a reference and she gave a poor one. I have some control over that though, I can request a potential employer not contact her, or contact me first. Which I plan to do on future applications.
I may or may not have a heart to heart with her, and tell her that I plan on leaving as soon as I can get another position elsewhere. Maybe she'll realize that would be the path of least resistance, but who knows. Like I said earlier, she has a sense of viciousness about her that I've rarely seen in others.
It's probably too soon to get an attorney. That probably wouldn't be warranted until she takes adverse action against me.
I suppose this was inevitable, given how she is. I guess I just hoped that I'd be able to placate her long enough to get another job, and I wouldn't have to go through a long, drawn out slug fest with her.
I just hope the fact that I had no issues previously and 3 months into her tenure she's ready to can me isn't lost on the higher ups.
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