GULP... worried about an employee going postal

Ok, so some of you read my story from a few weeks ago. I have been speaking at length with HR who gave me the go ahead to issue disciplinary action. He was given a chance to respond, and HR drafted a response, which I have to issue to him tomorrow, face-to-face.

This guy is so unstable and likely to blow. I'm seriously nervous about his possible reaction. I'm going to make sure I do it in a room that's central in the office, with my seat closest to the door, and will ask that his union rep be in the meeting as well.

So much for sleep tonight! And to think, I haven't even been a supervisor for a year, and I have to deal with this!

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

Good luck. I'm sure you know what you're doing but don't give in to him if he starts getting heated, just keep it to what's factual and it is what it is..there is no negotiation. Know what i mean?

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

Yep! I agree with above poster. Facts , no emotions. Quick and to the point. No room for talk. This is your job ...end of story. Good Luck tomorrow! You will be fine! Good idea to have union rep present.

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

DEFINITELY have someone else present. we always have to have 1 other staff member when issuing memos.

eta I know that dreadful feeeling, good luck!

Message edited 12/14/2010 5:30:13 PM.

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

Hoping it went well today.

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

Beth, let us know! I hope everything worked out.

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

He was out sick, so I was fortunate enough to just put it in a manila envelope, put it on his chair and send an email

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

So glad you didn't have to do it face to face!

Message edited 12/15/2010 10:40:06 AM.

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

Posted by Bxgell2

He was out sick, so I was fortunate enough to just put it in a manila envelope, put it on his chair and send an email

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

I had one of those once. I just made sure to have 2 managers (and one of her racial background) with me each time I had to discipline her.

It got pretty hairy because she would only go on and on about how I was discriminating against her, and take no responsibility whatsoever for the fact that she could not do the basic requirements of the job (i.e. use a computer for example).

In the end we all sat with her as well when it was time to let her go. I think by that point she knew she was going to be fired anyway, so was going out of her way to do things wrong with hopes that she could collect UE.

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

The biggest thing after is not to engage in debate once he's read it. If he wants to speak to you or comes to see you, tell him that he really should have his union rep with him.

It is scary. I was concerned about a few terminations - one where I thought he'd go postal on us & another where I was VERY concerned where he'd go home & kill himself & his family. It was awful how distraught he was. I was sickened over that one & had him call me the next day to continue the discussion over his severance package. Screaming how is he going to pay his mortgage, that he has a new baby.

Beth - it is completely awful that you need to continue to have him in your office. I cannot even imagine. I hope it's over quickly & he gets hired somewhere else.

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

Thanks everyone So far it's ok - he actually won't speak to me, or look at me, for that matter. I even asked for a meeting to discuss some work and he said he doesn't want to meet with me until after our scheduled mediation for January.

I'm looking forward to the mediation, which is based on the hostile work environment grievance he filed against me.

The mediator called me last week and told me that he read through all of the materials that the employee provided him in support of his grievance. It took himh 6 cups of coffee, over 2 days, to read through it, and his conclusion was that there is no hostile work environment at play here, but rather, a very difficult employee.

So, he indicated the goal of mediation will be for him, the mediator, a neutral, third party, to convey the message I have been trying to convey, so that hopefully this employee will finally get it, if it's not me who is saying it this time.

I'm trying!!! This is certainly trial by fire for a new supervisor!

Re: GULP... worried about an employee going postal

Posted by Bxgell2

Thanks everyone So far it's ok - he actually won't speak to me, or look at me, for that matter. I even asked for a meeting to discuss some work and he said he doesn't want to meet with me until after our scheduled mediation for January.

I'm looking forward to the mediation, which is based on the hostile work environment grievance he filed against me.

The mediator called me last week and told me that he read through all of the materials that the employee provided him in support of his grievance. It took himh 6 cups of coffee, over 2 days, to read through it, and his conclusion was that there is no hostile work environment at play here, but rather, a very difficult employee.

So, he indicated the goal of mediation will be for him, the mediator, a neutral, third party, to convey the message I have been trying to convey, so that hopefully this employee will finally get it, if it's not me who is saying it this time.

I'm trying!!! This is certainly trial by fire for a new supervisor!