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Inappropriate Workplace Behavior and Conduct
Let me give you some examples. This morning I asked you why the Penske file had been transferred to New York City without the credit confirmation attached. I asked you that because our standard practice is to attach credit reports before forwarding them to the New York corporate office. Rather than answering me objectively and telling me that Josh Jones, the vice president of credit, had asked you to forward the file as is, you responded sharply, ‘‘That’s not my fault! Josh Jones called and instructed me to send it to him immediately, and you found out about it before I had a chance to tell you.’’ I don’t understand why your response was so sharp and caustic. I was only asking for objective information, which you could have shared with me in a whole different tone of voice. A similar thing happened on Monday when I gave you feedback about how to close out all your e-mail messages. I simply said that you should end each e-mail with a ‘‘Thanks so much’’ or ‘‘All the best’’ type of closer. Up until then, you simply signed everything ‘‘Gina.’’ That was a reasonable request that was both for your own good as well as the good of our department, yet you responded instinctively, ‘‘Well, other people don’t always do that, so why should I have to?’’ As your supervisor, this relationship isn’t going to work if I don’t feel comfortable bringing issues like these to your attention. Sometimes, we’ll have to change the way we do things in light of changes within the company, and at other times there will need to be exceptions to the rule. I just can’t have you jump and react negatively each time there’s some exception or change in plans. And it’s certainly within my rights as your supervisor to recommend how to end your e-mails, isn’t it? [Yes.] Now tell me your side of the story. What am I missing from my vantage point, and what do I need to do differently to elicit a different response from you in the future? [Employee explanation follows.] Good, then let’s agree on the following terms: First, I’ll agree to . . . [fill in whatever you glean from hearing Gina’s feedback]. In addition, you’ll agree to remain cognizant of your behavior when it comes to receiving and accepting constructive feedback from me. You’ll not assume ill intentions or any need to defend yourself or your actions when I ask you a simple question about why something was done a certain way. You’ll promise to avoid any reaction that could appear to be dramatic or overly sensitive so that we could work more comfortably together. And you’ll let me know any time if I’m not living up to my end of the bargain, just as I’ll let you know any time you’re not living up to yours.