Job and General Employment Thread

[mac5155]

Seriously, I understand the need for yearly workplace violence and active threat training. But conference call ettiquete should be a class at the top of the list.

[iamjs]

One of my team members emailed a candidate and got a response back. Now you know how with Gmail, you can select what your name shows up as when you send an email back? This is the Gmail name this candidate chose to use for all of her job-related correspondence:

"Muthafu*kinsunshine" (The C is actually in there too).

These people are so damn stupid. No grasp of the consequences of their actions.

Please tell me you responded back to this candidate as Ms. Muthafu*kinsunshine as a courtesy reminder to change her outgoing name.

On second thought, nah, let it go. Let her figure it out.

[mamaemeritus]

Had to fire someone for the first time ever in my life today. As expected, it sucked.

[count2infinity]

I've always wondered what I would do if I were fired... Knowing myself, I'd probably just do a "k... bye." and not say a word. Did they try to reason with you?

[mamaemeritus]

Nope, they didn't really say anything at all. They had been on a "performance plan", but frankly they should have been gone a LONG time ago (before I came into the picture) - so honestly, they shouldn't have been surprised. But - I know the person still was.

[mikey]

How did you approach it? Softly? Or did you start with the "we're letting you go" part and that way you can say anything after that because they won't hear you and it doesn't matter...?

Deets, if you're comfortable...

[meow]

Veteran move doing it on a Friday

[mamaemeritus]

The Friday thing just happened out of sheer coincidence - today was day #30 since the performance plan.

I was pretty straight and to the point. I mean, the issues had been discussed at length in multiple meetings before the plan, when we put them on the plan, follow up meeting after the plan. So I just said "we called you in here today to let you know we've made the decision to end the performance plan early and are terminating you effective immediately." I followed up with some very brief language about how while we recognize they had made an effort, it just wasn't what we hoped. Then the HR guy took over while my boss went to go collect their belongings. It was the longest 15 minutes of my life.

I never like to see anyone lose their job, but this person had some major issues. Work product, attendance, reliability, integrity. They were really a liability - and affecting other team members who are really good, and them picking up the slack was wearing on them. You just can't have that.

[Pavel Bure]

That was the part I hated most about management. Especially when firing people that have kids or had told me they’re struggling financially. It really sucks.

[mamaemeritus]

I feel bad too. But I had to remind myself it’s not a charity. The person was not doing a good job, and there was evidence of trying to pull one over on the company. You gots to go.

[NTP66]

At least you didn’t have to do it right before Christmas.

[RonnieFranchise]

3 months into my management career I had to fire an employee. He had a series of family misfortunes resulting in alcoholism- which may have preceded those. Was on a PIP but failed to attend a mandatory staff meeting due to an accident in a company vehicle. Mandatory pee test resulted in his firing.

Even though he left me no choice it’s still the worst day in my now 7 years of management.

[mamaemeritus]

I keep saying it, management is for suckers. A big part of me wishes I could go back and just be responsible for my own crap and no one else's. Lock me in a room by myself, let me do my job, and leave. That would be ideal.

[NTP66]

I agree.

[Freddy Rumsen]

What is a PIP

[NTP66]

Performance Improvement Plan.

[mamaemeritus]

aka "Prelude to a Canning"

[NTP66]

I have yet to see anyone on a PIP actually come out of it, personally. Most I knew found new jobs, and one was terminated.

[Morkle]

aka "Prelude to a Canning"

Pretty much. I've never met anyone that's been put on a PIP that didn't get escorted from the building.

[meow]

I have yet to see anyone on a PIP actually come out of it, personally. Most I knew found new jobs, and one was terminated.

I've handed out five PIPs. One made it through. He actually had a huge life turnaround as well. It is a feel good story, honestly.

[NTP66]

That's pretty cool. The fact that companies actually use PIPs is positive, because it's in their best interest for the employee to succeed. I worked at one place where they just terminated you and moved on immediately.

[mac5155]

My wife got fired once. Had no idea it was coming either. Apparently it was par for the course at this particular company. She got fired on a Thursday. We had signed our mortgage application on that Monday. Luckily the mortgage agent got sick that week and didn't do anything with it.

She never did get her umbrella back

Landed on her feet about 2 months later and here we are.

[Freddy Rumsen]

Performance Improvement Plan.

[mikey]

Also understand, the PIP is a two-way street. It's fine to note that most employees don't come out of a PIP because usually only dumb dickheads end up in one in the first place...but it also serves as protection and a paper trail for the employer against wrongful termination suits and even unemployment compensation sometimes...document the steps leading up to a termination, if it isn't written down, it didn't happen...

[RonnieFranchise]

Agree, a PIP isn’t often survivable. Previously mentioned employee’s included a statement that he could postpone the requirements by entering company paid substance abuse program if he desired. He opted to then decided not to. Weeks later wrecked company vehicle while intoxicated. See ya.