I Saw That She Was Talking About Me Through a Messaging App with Another Co-Worker
Dear Nikki,
I started this job and the supervisor that I was assigned to work with--we always clash. One day, my desk phone was not working and I wanted to check if her phone has a dial tone because I thought maybe the system was not working. I couldn’t help but notice my name bold on her screen, and I saw that she was talking sh*t about me through a messaging app with another co-worker. I was upset, so when I saw her, I told her “you should really close your computer because anyone can walk up and see what you’re saying”. She definitely knew what I was talking about. I do want to quit before I get fired, (if I do get fired), but unsure. This is a job that I need.
Secretary
Los Angeles, California
Nikki: The key word is document, document, document. You need to start documenting the encounters you’re having, in full detail and keep it in a file. Speak to a human resources representative and get the list of issues on front of them. If you’re feeling like the supervisor is treating you unfairly, document that as well and the circumstances that have you feeling mistreated.
If you’re ever having system issues, send an email to your company’s IT / support desk to report the issue and get it resolved. I wouldn’t touch anything on the supervisor’s desk. Because you guys have a history of encounters, anything you do can also be misconstrued into something negative.
Limit the interaction you have with this supervisor as much as you can and keep the interactions solely focused on the work.
Don’t quit your job unless or until you’ve lined up your next job. Be smart about taking this step. Update your resume and start looking. Do you have a network of professionals who can keep you in the loop for upcoming job opportunities? Start reaching out to those friends for feelers on what’s available. Get in contact with a recruiter in your field so they can jumpstart your job search while you’re still working.
Think fast. Move slow. Think before you react to your supervisor. Ultimately, you don’t want a bad professional reputation. You are a professional brand of one, so make sure no one can speak against you or the work you do.
Good luck!
Nikki Davis
Images credited to [Jopwell]
NIKKI
Your curly girl manager, just trying to live her happiest life!
Wife, new mom, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 11 years industry experience, 6 years of management experience. Manager a team of men in a male dominant industry, while being the only woman on the team. DIY fashion blogger, a self taught seamstress. Owner/Creator of a monthly subscription service, SewConscious.com.
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