week at work and a week where I have realised why so many managers don't pursue formal performance management with under performing staff....
so since I returned to work in early December, there have been constant issues and many many instances of underperformance by my PA
on 18 Dec, I sat her down to take her through a few of my concerns - we spent a good deal of time talking about how she was, as I had sensed she wasn't happy - I asked her if she was ok, but I get the usual answer - tears and some other excuse...so I went through the concerns I had and she did her usual thing, more tears, takes a few notes, and then I ask what I can do to support her...nothing! this has been ongoing for months - she never provides any useful feedback when I ask this question....
so then on mon 12 jan, I let her know that on 14 jan we'll be having a formal meeting to discuss the concerns I have with her performance - she says to me 'shall I just quit now' - I have to tell you it took all my willpower not to just say 'sure, do that, would be easier for both of us'...but of course, I didn't - instead I said that the meeting would be for me to put my concerns to her, for her to have an opportunity to respond etc....
but this is one of the issues - she is beyond dense and rarely, if ever, joins the dots! having worked in HR for nearly a year you would think she'd heard enough about these meetings and how we do them, to know she'd get a right of reply...
but instead, she cried, got a bit personal (having been rude to me on both Tues and Wed), and then took Thursday and Friday off saying she was suffering work related stress - seriously!
and I sense, although I could be wrong, and universe, please please please work with me here, that she's going to lob in a bullying claim which means I have to go through the indignity of another fucking investigation for something I haven't done.....
funny that she's never raised any concerns until such time as she's on notice that she isn't performing! fucking typical....I always ask how she is in our meetings, and always ask what I can do to support her - she's never been honest with me, and now we are here....
and it's potentially my reputation on the line in an environment where I question the support I would get from my boss, although my team have been great....
but I can tell you - it makes me a) never want to do performance management again b) have more empathy for managers c) makes me want to leave there more than I already did before and d) get a job which has no people reporting into it! it's just too fucking hard and all the cards are stacked in the employees favour....
so, this could well be the evening of my HR career, and mainly coz, I'm just no longer enjoying it....
bit of spread sheet work will help me see when the end is in sight! right now I'm planning to 'pull the pin' on 7 April.....
we'll see!
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