jame Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 (edited) I try not to, but sometimes, a little paradigm shift can introduce a welcome change. My boss, a woman, was abusive to staff, intimidating and bullying others was common. I’m the only guy working in this assisted living community, and she would change from flirty to nagging in a matter of minutes. I had a tendancy of ignoring her crappy behavior regardless. But I did keep notes. And documented, and substantiated. Just in case. I have one girl there that’s a pretty good friend of mine. She’s the nursing director, and a pretty darned nice person. She got me the job I have now, as we worked together at another organization prior to this gig. About 3 weeks ago, our boss did some pretty shitty stuff to my friend. She lied to our corporate folks about my friend in a way that not only denied her a raise, but put her job in jeopardy. So, I put together a small report about our boss, attached my documentation, hit send, and deep sixed the bitch. I thought I’d feel bad about it. But my coworkers were so happy they actually cried as they thanked me. I probably should have done it sooner, but as the old guy working with a bunch of kids, I was just trying to get along. As it turns out, I’m glad I did it. Has anyone else had to do anything like that in a work environment? Edited August 21, 2018 by jame Correct spelling 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cali-Glock Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 Yes: - I tend to get the President or VPs speaking to me in “animated” manner about twice a year. My job is one of those dammed if you do, dammned if you don’t positions, with a major potential fall-guy potential to boot. Every job has its up-side and down-side, and I like the upside - so I am not complaining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boogieman Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 When I first started with my current employer a VP had a stroke and the owner asked me to handle sh!t while he was laid up. In short order it became apparent that there was a severe misuse of company funds. Not just bloated expense reports But fake invoices to several companies that I couldn't contact but used the same answering service. And the fellow that returned my calls was the guy I replaced. He was fired for all sorts of ethics issues. But here's the rub. The VP had been with the company for over 30 years and was related to the owner. I wasn't sure about going directly at him. So I contacted the head of accounting for help. I said that I'm an Engineer and not an accountant. The P&L's just didn't make any sense to me. I must be stupid because I can't figure this out. I highlighted and notated the entries that I could't verify. Like the outside lawn service for facilities that didn't have lawns and maintenance companies when we had our own maintenance staff. The next day the office was swarming with accountants. Several flew in from Morocco so they stepped in really pissed. When the dust settled he was fired and charged with embezzlement. The owner later said, "I see what you did there. Smart move." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willie-pete Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 I can't anymore since I retired. But my first one was my best one. I ran the refueling section and one of the pieces of equipment was always down and costing a LOT of money to keep on line. I came up with a plan and ran it up all the channels, sent everyone involved memos about it and people said " Go with it ". So I did. When the day arrived for the changeover, my boss , a Major, called me to see him. Turns out a Full Colonel ha just found out about it and it was going to cost his people a little extra work. I reminded my boss, the Major, of everything we had talked about. And he finally said. " Well, if you are right, I am behind you 100 %. " I should have kept my mouth shut, but I was young and stupid and I said " Well Sir, if I am right, I don't need you to stand behind me. " It went downhill from there. I finally volunteered for SEA to get out from under it. ( I don't think the Colonel ever found out that I and his daughter were " friends with benefits " as they call it today. ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 Been there. Done that. It sucks but if doing the right thing was easy then everyone would do it. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBull 301 Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 Yep, a couple of times before I retired. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 (edited) I only worked for employers between HS and college, and in the first few years after college. I soon found out that I won't survive in any regular employment. I can sense things like jealousy or distrust quickly and don't do well with that kind of stress, especially when I'm on the receiving end. I knew very early that I will have to be my own boss, and rather quickly. Being on the other side of the work relationship I made it clear that my door is always open for rational critic of any kind. Luckily, my business partner is a very good PhD, personal growth coach and HR specialist. He helped me to deal with staff decently, and how to keep them motivated. It takes me quite a bit to be pissed at my folks, but when it happens, usually after months of repeated BS and talks, they are almost always fired. At some point the trust is so much damaged that it can't be fixed. That being said, I would never lie to any of them, or play dirty games. I like to see my face in the mirror and know that I gave people chances as well as opportunities, nobody is perfect, including me. Jame, what happened with your boss? Will she face consequences? Edited August 21, 2018 by crockett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jame Posted August 21, 2018 Author Share Posted August 21, 2018 11 minutes ago, crockett said: Jame, what happened with your boss? Will she face consequences? She has been dismissed of her duties as Executive Director. And the localized industry is in the process of blackballing her. She's toast. In tragic irony, I am up for consideration for the job, which is OK, in many ways. A promotion is always nice, and it'll about double my income. But, (I know this sounds strange to some) I've enjoyed hiding behind the title of "Maintenance Coordinator". It's kinda nice just being the handy man. I'm nearly 59 years old, I have my toys paid for, and my home has jus a couple to go. We have a farm to finish paying for, but that'll take care of itself, if the fuckin' trade war will finally come to a halt. So really, I'm pretty set in life. No hassles, a full family, and a conservative retirement is in the offing. I'm not sure I want anything to do with "Executive" anything any more. I'm a little tired of that game. But these girls deserve a break, and the residents could use a whole lot more respect and certainty in their golden years. I could at least provide that for a few years, IF I'm offered the position. And that's a pretty big "If". Thanks for asking, crockett. I took great pleasure in answering your question. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astepup Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 Going through a similar deal at work. A boss that doesn't care about anything, hell he doesn't even want to be there. Other people (me included) that get stuck doing what should be doing. I've got a feeling something's coming down the pike...just not sure what it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jame Posted August 21, 2018 Author Share Posted August 21, 2018 (edited) 56 minutes ago, Historian said: Been there. Done that. It sucks but if doing the right thing was easy then everyone would do it. I've found that the more you do it, the easier it becomes, but the high and mighty do not fall easy. But when you can get a bully to fall, regardless of profession or station in life, they fall hard. And what a pleasure it is to watch. I've only done it three times. Dealing with accusations of being contrary and a troublemaker become much easier, and soon, it's just water off a duck's back. And seeing the relief and freedom in the eyes of their victims is a joy to behold. Edited August 21, 2018 by jame Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 19 minutes ago, jame said: Dealing with accusations of being contrary and a troublemaker become much easier, and soon, it's just water off a duck's back. And seeing the relief and freedom in the eyes of their victims is a joy to behold. You reap what you sow. If you do ill will you can expect it to come back. I am directly responsible for a police chief being fired for unethical dealings with city hall. He was a bad influence on the department, the men, and did not represent the uniform we wore or the oath we took. He had a trail through life of questionable conduct and I'm not going to write another word about it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 (edited) 32 minutes ago, jame said: She has been dismissed of her duties as Executive Director. And the localized industry is in the process of blackballing her. She's toast. In tragic irony, I am up for consideration for the job, which is OK, in many ways. A promotion is always nice, and it'll about double my income. But, (I know this sounds strange to some) I've enjoyed hiding behind the title of "Maintenance Coordinator". It's kinda nice just being the handy man. I'm nearly 59 years old, I have my toys paid for, and my home has jus a couple to go. We have a farm to finish paying for, but that'll take care of itself, if the fuckin' trade war will finally come to a halt. So really, I'm pretty set in life. No hassles, a full family, and a conservative retirement is in the offing. I'm not sure I want anything to do with "Executive" anything any more. I'm a little tired of that game. But these girls deserve a break, and the residents could use a whole lot more respect and certainty in their golden years. I could at least provide that for a few years, IF I'm offered the position. And that's a pretty big "If". Thanks for asking, crockett. I took great pleasure in answering your question. Even though I retired from operations, I can totally relate to your sentiment. I wished so many times that I could just switch with my staff and only having to put together product or ship orders. I missed a simple routine most of the time. Heck I even miss it these days. Mowing the grass, washing the cars or reloading are all things I much rather do than running a company. The related stress of a managing position also kills your health eventually, and health my friend, is the most important asset we have. Maybe your current role can be extended in order to establish a better policy for the residents. You never know... Edited August 21, 2018 by crockett 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jame Posted August 21, 2018 Author Share Posted August 21, 2018 (edited) 4 minutes ago, Historian said: You reap what you sow. If you do ill will you can expect it to come back. I am directly responsible for a police chief being fired for unethical dealings with city hall. He was a bad influence on the department, the men, and did not represent the uniform we wore or the oath we took. He had a trail through life of questionable conduct and I'm not going to write another word about it. I got one of those myself, but he happened to be beating the **** out of my sister who was married to him at the time. His men eventually pulled him off the pedestal after some very risky behavior. There's no limits on what can happen in a small midwestern town. We're all just people, after all. Edited August 21, 2018 by jame Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ASH Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 ive been known to cast some off the boat rofl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 25 minutes ago, jame said: We're all just people, after all. I supose we all put our pants on the same way. By leaping off the bed and putting both legs in while in mid air? At least that's how I do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jame Posted August 21, 2018 Author Share Posted August 21, 2018 6 minutes ago, Historian said: I supose we all put our pants on the same way. By leaping off the bed and putting both legs in while in mid air? At least that's how I do it. No half gainer off the foot of the bed? Neophyte. In time, grasshopper. In time..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWARREN123 Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 I guess I am lucky in that most folks I have had to deal with were pretty good people, some just needed a little talking to. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 3 hours ago, DWARREN123 said: I guess I am lucky in that most folks I have had to deal with were pretty good people, some just needed a little talking to. I have worked with some corrupt jerks and nasty people who were better of either in jail or elsewhere. One deputy I worked with beat an raped a woman. He is doing 25 years. No one will miss him while he is gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 4 hours ago, jame said: No half gainer off the foot of the bed? Neophyte. In time, grasshopper. In time..... I have to chew off the leather restraints first. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenoF250 Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 I was a good portion of getting a new guy fired, he came in playing new car salesman and I made it pretty clear I thought he needed to go. He was gone a few days later but I don't know what other inputs they got. For the most part I leave it alone though. I have known others that have reported things and it just came back to bite them in the ass. The company has made it clear they want you to keep your head down and shut up so I try to do that. It is odd because we have some people that are downright nasty bitches and they think they are "go getters" and do everything to take care of them but I tell them some facts they do not like and I am an *******. So now I keep my facts to myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silentpoet Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 I am pretty easy going. I have learned to leave room for God’s vengeance. The last company that did me wrong has some executives looking at time in the federal pen. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windowasher Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 (edited) Why yes, I do rock the boat at work. Of course, since I am the boss, when I rock the boat, other people fall overboard Edited August 21, 2018 by windowasher Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Longmire Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 I have spent my fair share of time at the helm of that boat being a **** disturber. Back in the day, I did most of my **** disturbing in a low key manner. I just stirred it up and then stood back and watched the mayhem. Now days I own the boat. "Get off my boat." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UHLAWPUP Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 (edited) 17 hours ago, jame said: I try not to, but sometimes, a little paradigm shift can introduce a welcome change. My boss, a woman, was abusive to staff, intimidating and bullying others was common. I’m the only guy working in this assisted living community, and she would change from flirty to nagging in a matter of minutes. I had a tendancy of ignoring her crappy behavior regardless. But I did keep notes. And documented, and substantiated. Just in case. I have one girl there that’s a pretty good friend of mine. She’s the nursing director, and a pretty darned nice person. She got me the job I have now, as we worked together at another organization prior to this gig. About 3 weeks ago, our boss did some pretty shitty stuff to my friend. She lied to our corporate folks about my friend in a way that not only denied her a raise, but put her job in jeopardy. So, I put together a small report about our boss, attached my documentation, hit send, and deep sixed the bitch. I thought I’d feel bad about it. But my coworkers were so happy they actually cried as they thanked me. I probably should have done it sooner, but as the old guy working with a bunch of kids, I was just trying to get along. As it turns out, I’m glad I did it. Has anyone else had to do anything like that in a work environment? Never mind. Edited August 21, 2018 by UHLAWPUP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTMac Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 (edited) I have never had to "take anyone down" at work. But I do rock the boat on occasion. I am able to do so with confidence because I spend the rest of my time proving that I am qualified to do so: I do things ethically, I show kindness whenever I can, and I show that I respect my boss's authority and priorities. That pays off in leeway. When the time comes to speak my mind, I am able to do so. At the end of last week, I rocked the boat a bit. I sent out an email to my coworkers, stating my complaints and expectations, and boy was I frank. I made threats that I don't have the authority to carry through on. Boss #1 voluntarily logged in over the weekend to do work he (incorrectly) thought I'd blown off in anger, and pulled data to support my case to his subordinates. Boss #2 was overjoyed. He told me he actually had to clean coffee off his table after he spit it out while reading what I wrote. Both of them are behind me on the threats of accountability, which will end up applying to people above me. I asked a coworker if anyone had actually read it. Apparently EVERYONE has. "There is fear," he told me. Excellent. Edited August 21, 2018 by JTMac 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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