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Employee Reported Me – How Do I React?

March 13, 2010 by sparktalk 

‘JT & Dale Talk Jobs’ is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a manager with a staff of seven. The other day our general manager pulled me aside and started asking odd questions. Apparently an employee had called our corporate office anonymously and reported I am doing my job improperly, even committing fraud. My GM knows I am not like that, but she has to do her job, and now that I’ve been warned and written up, I am one strike away from being let go. Should I confront this “anonymous” employee, or let it slide? — Bill

J.T.: My concern is that you were written up. This means that your boss/company feels you were in error.

Dale: Or, it could simply be that the boss felt she couldn’t be seen as ignoring the issue. Nevertheless, the first thing to do is take your boss aside and find out exactly how she’s feeling about the incident. Then, even if she’s sympathetic, do not ignore it. Suspicions are like roaches — just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they are gone. No, they’re there, in the shadows, reproducing.

J.T.: Yuck. And though I hate to extend that metaphor, you have to do more than a single spraying. I would plan a series of meetings with your boss, seeking feedback, making sure it is clear that you are doing all the right things. Plus, find ways to improve relationships with your staff. The best way is to help each one with his or her career. When you invest in helping them achieve their goals, they are far less likely to turn against you.

Dale: Good advice. But even with them, I wouldn’t ignore the accusations. Instead of confronting Anonymous, have private conversations with all your staff, confiding in them that someone felt you were acting inappropriately — there are no secrets in departments, they already know — and ask if they saw anything that could give the mistaken impression of impropriety. They’ll see that you were hurt by the accusation and that you are ready to defend your reputation, while clearing up any misperceptions about your intentions and your character.

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Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and the founder of the consulting firm, jtodonnell.com, and of the blog, CAREEREALISM.com. Dale Dauten resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator with AgreementHouse.com.

Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via e-mail, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.

© 2010 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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Comments

  • 5s
    Man that is a tough situation for any one to be in I am glad I dont work in a large office any more it is always trouble on way that we found that helps is 5S
  • Alyssa 00
    Many people get caught doing something they don’t enjoy and it becomes part of their job. Depending on how much a part, will determine their level of angst – the most severe being that which requires them to pull themselves out of bed every morning and drag themselves to work. How many people like that have you met in your life? They live for Fridays and vacations.Photo Directory
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  • Suspicions are like roaches — just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they are gone. No, they’re there, in the shadows, reproducing.
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  • HomrighouseD
    We're only getting part of the picture, but if no impropriety or fraud was committed, where is the evidence to cause a "write-up and one strike away"? Can a company legally charge an employee on false accusations with no evidence and fire someone? I would think it would have to be laid out clearly and with no uncertainties.
    I agree, I would take this very seriously, but do not confront the employee directly. This could look like retaliation, which is about the worst thing she wants to happen. I would want to see all evidence linking this charge up from the GM.
    I would also let the employees know you want to clear up any impressions, to let them know that trust is of utmost importance. Any that has been lost, you want to show you want it back.
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