View Full Version : Seems to be more BS at work
You may recall my dept's "new" manager (in place for four months) was fired late Sept. His replacement started Monday. New guy is really nice. Has experience on both transportation and brokerage sides, but he doesn't have his license. Took the exam years ago, but didn't pass.
GM told me before this fellow was even hired that since it didn't seem like they were going to get a licensed broker with transportation experience, I was going to be the supervising broker on file with Customs. My license goes on the wall with all the other operating licenses/permits. No title change. I'd get my raise at the time of annual reviews in January.
Well, new manager has a whole department meeting today. He said he is going to take the exam next fall and once he gets his license he will be the supervising broker. Whoa! I was surprised by that, and said so. When GM had talked to me about me becoming supervising broker, there was NEVER any mention about me only doing it temporarily until the new manager got license.
Talked to supervisor today when we were working after everyone else was gone. She said she was surprised by new manager's comment about becoming the supervising broker once he got his license. She said when she had talked to GM about me being the new supervising broker, there was NEVER any mention of me doing it only temporarily.
She suggested I speak with GM, as well as new manager, as new manager keeps gushing about me. Once I talk with new manager and get his understanding of situation, then I'll go to GM, simply putting that I'm "looking for clarification since I'm getting conflicting information."
Sheesh. It never ends.
iris lilies
11-15-13, 1:17am
well, he has to pass, doesn't he? first things first.
Yes, and the exam just keeps getting tougher. However, this thing with GM apparently telling two people different things does need to be clarified.
chrisgermany
11-15-13, 10:04am
I'd ask GM carefully. Maybe GM doesn't even know about the new guy's plan to take the exam.
What an opportunity to lose face if he does not pass. I had never mentioned it before having a positive result. He puts so much pressure on himself.
Oh, GM does know. He told me about it himself that new mgr was going to take it eventually. When was an open question.
Watch your back and keep your options open in case it gets really ugly there.
SteveinMN
11-15-13, 3:21pm
Management/Quality guru Peter Drucker:
So much of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to work.
Steve you are soooo right!!
rodeosweetheart
11-16-13, 6:05pm
Steve, you are exactly right.
Tradd, I bet he will not pass, since it is unlikely he will have time to study hard enough.
If he passes, then you can go from there.
But keep looking elsewhere, too--I remember that Michigan job, and I know you are not crazy about goign back to Michigan, but isn't there something else in Chicago, or maybe Charleston or Savannah?
Rodeosweetheart, I will be surprised if he passes on the first try. I have been keeping my eyes out, but I'm way overqualified for the jobs I'm seeing. The Michigan job would have been perfect for me, if it would have been local to me.
More BS:
Today I was using the copier close to the GM's office. He was in a closed door meeting with my dept's new manager. GM is not quiet. I clearly heard him say, "[my first name and last name] is a [rude word for women]." I was stunned, but really shouldn't be surprised given how he's treated me.
ApatheticNoMore
11-19-13, 2:04am
Today I was using the copier close to the GM's office. He was in a closed door meeting with my dept's new manager. GM is not quiet. I clearly heard him say, "[my first name and last name] is a [rude word for women]." I was stunned, but really shouldn't be surprised given how he's treated me.
that's legally sexual harassment. I've been forced to watched enough harassment videos and quizzes in my life to know (all employees are). An uncomfortable work environment because of gender (or other protected category) is grossly illegal, I mean dude can keep acting that way in the workplace and even if it's not from you, he's flirting with a lawsuit, and with evidence it would be an open and shut case.
Talked to supervisor, whom I've always been able to trust. Supervisor told GM what I thought I'd overhead. New mgr was in meeting, too. Either they're all lying or I misheard. GM said he was telling supervisor you don't have to be arrogant or a bitch to get people to do stuff. My name came up because they were talking about the girl who was out the past week and the few people who were willing to pitch in to help, I was one of the most dependable, yada yada yada. GM said his feelings were actually hurt. I was trying not to laugh. He actually said he had no issues with me. WTF?
Needless to say, I'm looking.
Supervisor was stupid to bring this up in front of both of them at the same time. If she really wanted to get a sense of what was going on, she should have spoken to them both separately. that way if they made up different stories, it would be easy to see. Then again, maybe she wasn't stupid. Watch your back, Tradd. I wouldn't trust any of them farther than I could throw them.
rodeosweetheart
11-20-13, 7:49am
Supervisor was stupid to bring this up in front of both of them at the same time. If she really wanted to get a sense of what was going on, she should have spoken to them both separately. that way if they made up different stories, it would be easy to see. Then again, maybe she wasn't stupid. Watch your back, Tradd. I wouldn't trust any of them farther than I could throw them.
I agree. That is what happened to me when I had a sexual harrassment issue at work and went to human resources--they went right back to my manager, who was involved, and I paid the price for complaining.
I did not do anything about it, but at least I know where I stand, and she has sold me down the river since then, too.
I would also start documenting everything, write down what I heard, and go see a good attorney for a free consultation.
I am so sorry that happened to you.
herbgeek
11-20-13, 11:29am
HR isn't there for you, the employee. They are there to protect the employer. Sometimes they like the appearance that they are there for you, but when push comes to shove, you aren't the ones paying them.
Miss Cellane
11-21-13, 8:00am
Completely agree with herbgeek. HR's main function is to make sure the company doesn't break any labor laws. Sometimes an HR department is also good at helping employees, but don't be surprised if an accusation like this is brushed off.
Keep records. Get names of witnesses of future events if at all possible.
And with the GM in particular, I'd be wanting to get everything he says in writing from now on. Promotion? Raise? Job title change? Even if GM won't commit to putting it into writing, after a conversation where he makes a promise, type up an email in which you state the gist of the conversation (date/amount of raise, job title change, etc.) and send it to him, in a sort of "I'm checking with you to confirm that we both have the same memory of our last conversation" way. If he doesn't email back with different info, you can use those emails against him in the future.
I do find it odd that these men are willing to alienate you, as I believe it is your license that is keeping the office open and operating? What on earth will they do when you find a new job and give two weeks notice?
I do find it odd that these men are willing to alienate you, as I believe it is your license that is keeping the office open and operating? What on earth will they do when you find a new job and give two weeks notice?
Well, there is a time period built into the customs regulations that gives a company time to find someone. Fired manager who was the supervising licensed broker was gone end of Sept. You have 180 days. It's not even been 60 days yet.
Even with giving two weeks notice, they would probably escort me out right away, giving me time to pack up my desk. That's what they tend to do with the people who are operational, have access to customer info, etc.
Oddly, GM, dept mgr, are fine around me now. GM was very chatty today. Weird.
Not weird at all. Typical CYA strategy. Said it before and will say it again -- watch your back! Just because they are pleasant in front of you doesn't mean they aren't plotting things behind your back/closed doors.
He's got to be nice to you now so that you will think "maybe I DID mishear him".
He's got to be nice to you now so that you will think "maybe I DID mishear him".
Ha! Jp, good one!
lhamo, I don't trust him at all.
mtnlaurel
11-26-13, 5:35pm
I've been thinking about this... I was in a field where being a Big Ol' Bitty was really kind of expected - that was my role, to be the B that made sure that S got done.
Sugar works better than Vinegar and was always my first go to, but when I had to I would rain Vinegar all over folks if necessary because it was my job to make sure that people stayed accountable to their part of the contract & project.
So if it were me and I heard someone call me a B, I'd just be like "Darn tootin' & don't I do my job well" ;P
I hope the dust has settled on this. I know you work hard Tradd. Working in and of itself is draining, but all the politics can be a total drag.
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