In one hell of a pickle...what to do?

Hey everyone...like the title says, I am in a pickle to say the least and need some advice. Every one gave me excellent advice last time, so I thought I'd run this one by y'all!!

As you ,might remember, I work in an office with 2 other co-workers (in my department), where we work for a program and do community events, health fairs, etc. Part of our job also involves calling people who have been turned down for other programs, those that may qualify for our program. Now, due to circumstances that started awhile back (mainly, our former supervisor allowing the lists to pile up until we were 3 months behind!), we have been in a struggle to get the lists caught up. I'll also mention at this point that we are not allowed overtime.

Then we got some wonderful news--our head office had won a bid to open a call center, and so we wouldn't have to make these calls after December! But the bad news: we were the only office behind, it was making us look bad to the state office (to the point where they were holding our contract over our head), and the order that we MUST get all of our lists called and processed by 12/1. That includes any that come in up to that date. Our current supervisor then assigned each of us past lists, and said that I and another co-worker, "April", would need to make at least 100 calls a day and more if at all possible. My other co-worker "June", and my former supervisor, were told that they would need to make 50 calls a day, as they also work for other programs/departments in our office. To enforce this (she is in a different office), our supervisor told us to e-mail her each day re: how many calls we did, what lists we finished, and also our schedule once per week. She also told us to limit community events, but to do those that a company/agency asked us specifically to do, and to also do at least one per week as required by our head office and our contract. However, she wanted to be made aware of any events we did do. Later, she also gave us specific lists to finish by certain dates.

This did NOT go over well at our office. Everyone was frustrated--there was the feeling of being micromanaged, etc, and being overextended, which is very understandable. Hell, I was included in that, too! But I figured at that point, the best thing to do was to go whole hog and try to get it done, so I made up a system to where I would do a set amount of calls at a time (say, 5-10), then do something else for a minute and do more calls, and so on. I found that when I did this over the course of a day, I could get in a rhythm and accomplish a lot--and was able to push myself and make those 100 calls a day. Not that it was easy, but I proved to myself that I could do it, and could do more as time went on. The others were amazed that I was able to hit 100 calls, and at this point I did share my system with them when they asked how I did it, which I really, honestly didn't see as that big of a deal--we'd been given an ultimatum, and I did what I had to do to get my part of the job done. Then I started picking up some not-so- subtle irritation and yes, jealousy since the others apparently weren't making those 100 calls. I never razzed them about it or bragged about how many calls I'd made--in fact, I when they ask how many calls I've made, I'll lie and say that I made only 80 or so, when in reality it was more like 120, because I often feel like I'm walking on eggshells and don't want to encourage more jealousy and cattiness. I don't think they believe me, though When I send the numbers to my supervisor as she reqested, though, I give her the true number.

And, there is something else... while I do respect my coworkers and know that they do work on their lists and several other things, I can't help to wonder why they're upset with me when I know for a fact that they spend lots and lots of time chatting in each other's offices, etc. and then go on and on about how there's no way they can make that many calls, and sometimes make me feel like a manipulative do-gooder. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect anyone to be perfect--lord knows that I love a little downtime, too!! But when they're accusing me of "making them look bad", and "causing problems" because I'm just doing what I--and everyone else--was asked to do, I can't help but be a little peeved. Yes, I know that sounds catty, too, but this is a board to vent and confess, after all. So I've been trying to stay out of their way, but still being cordial and cooperative with them on other business-related matters. I do want to be friends with these ladies and it hurts me that this is driving a wedge between us all. I try to tell them that I didn't cause this problem and that yes, it sucks, but that the faster we get it done the faster it will be over...but...

Then there was today. We had been asked to do a community event by a certain organization, so we got the go-ahead to go--I went because I live in the city of the event. It actually lasted longer than I thought it was going to, so I called the office because there was another event we were asked to do scheduled for tommorrow. I spoke to June, who told me that if we'd been asked to go and gave our information to the organization already, that we should go, but to call our supervisor. I did, and the supervisor told me that it was ok, but that she specifically wanted me, and ME ONLY, to go since I was apparently the only one keeping up with their calls. She then said that she and her supervisor were very pleased with my work and appreciated that I was doing what they asked. I have to admit that felt pretty good, but what was said next made me feel a little more uncomfortable than I would have liked.

The supervisor went on to say that April and June (and, I'm assuming, the former supervisor) had been under 100 calls, and that her supervisor was about to start giving displinary action to those who didn't beef up their numbers. She repeated that if we didn't get the calls done, we could risk losing our contract and putting us all out of a job-which is true, this is because our office recieves state and federal funds and they have the right to pull funding at any time. She then also said that it wasn't fair that I was having to carry the load. and that she was going to send the others an e-mail asking them to step it up...as in, "Beyond77 did 300 calls this week, I see no reason why the rest of you can't do that many or more". She also said that she was going to send out an e-mail saying that I was the only one cleared to do events until the calls are done, in an effort to get the others to ramp it up.

She then asked me flat out if I felt there was a morale problem in our office, because of the gap between me and the others calls-wise. I answered that I do my own thing when I'm in the office for the most part when it comes to calls, so I'm not sure about that, but that I do know that the others are doing other duties, and are doing calls too because I do hear them speaking to our clients. (which is true). I also said that we don't really share call numbers. Even with all my frustrations, I didn't think it was the time nor place to throw anyone under the bus.

However, if my supervisor did send those e-mails ( I don't know if she did or not as I was out at that community event all day and will be at the other event until tommorrow afternoon), I fear that I'M going to be the one under the bus, at least in our office. Although I see her reasons for possibly sending the e-mails, I HATE being put on the spot, for good or bad. And since the others already see me, apparently, as the supervisor's pet, I feel that they're going to think that I had something to do with her words, or somehow convinced her to say what she was going to--and then my name will be mud and my ***** grass.

I have no idea what to do. I still need to work with my co--workers, but I also don't think that I should feel guilty for doing well. I also wish that I hadn't been told about the possible e-mails, and am sick to my stomach just thinking about what I'll be walking into when I go into the office tomorrow.

Does anyone have any advice???

((((((((((((( beyond77 ))))))))))))))))))
It sounds like you are in a most difficult position, I don't really have any advice to help but I wanted to tell you to remember to be kind to yourself. You are doing what is right, performing your job requirements is very important, I realize that sometimes doing what is right makes you the unpopular one but it is better to be unpopular then unemployed. So remember you have done nothing wrong.

it's awkward for you, but on the other hand, it doesn't have much to do with you. you didn't cause the problem and you're just doing what you've been told. if they don't do what they're told, you're all in danger, so the supervisor is right to speak up about it.

it would be nice if your supervisor took some responsibility for causing the problem in the first place, and nicer still if she was smart enough to know that making you into the good kid and them the bad kids would not help morale. positive reinforcement is usually better when you can manage it.

but that's out of your hands. gimmeice is right -- better to be unpopular than unemployed, especially these days.

Thanks for the replies. Also, just to clear something up--my current supervisor is not the one who got us behind in the first place. That was my *former* supervisor, who was transferred to another department. My current supervisor is over her department, too.

I tend to believe that the current supervisor knows that the former one had something to do with us getting behind...which is why, I suspect, that she's asking the former supervisor to do calls as well.

But I do agree that the "good employee" vs. "bad employee" thing that's going on is enough to make a lot of people uneasy. Don't get me wrong, I do like to know that my efforts are being noticed and appreciated. I'm just a little worried about the fall out!

Didn't you say that the other girls had asked you how you made so many calls and you gave them your system? If they start harrassing you or otherwise being unpleasant, tell them that you gave them your secret. Now it's up to them to make it work.

If it comes to push to shove, tell your supervisor about your system and that the other girls have it to use, too. It would be nice if everybody got along. You're doing your part. Seems they aren't and like Gimmeice said, it's better to be disliked than unemployed. You gotta cover your own back.

My mom used to work in a blue jean factory and she worked harded than the rest of the women; always surpassed her quota so that she could go home early and be home when I got home from school. She was well disliked, too, for making the rest of the women look bad.

It happened to me, too, when I used to work in what they called the typing pool. When I took a leave of abscent for the summer to be home with my three kids, one of my friends who worked in another department had a luncheon for me. All the engineers showed up but none of the women in the typing pool did. I didn't bother coming back in September. LOL My husband wanted me to stay home with the kids, anyway.

Your supervisor refers to you by your PC username? That's odd.

Sorry, I couldn't resist the joke, plus I thought maybe you could use the laugh.

Ah, the office, where 1 percent of the people work, while the other 99 talk about their home renos and reality television. Well, maybe the numbers aren't that bad, but they can seem like it sometimes, can't they? And the worse thing is that they make you - the one doing the work, the one possibly saving their own jobs - feel bad. That happens all the time in offices as well.

I agree with e_sort that your supervisor's tactics are quite divisive, but maybe the situation is that dire in terms of keeping your contract. If so, hopefully everyone else will get the message. And yes, you were quite noble in not discussing your co-workers' tendency to slack off.

Basically, you're doing nothing wrong. But the situation is still pretty lousy, isn't it? I would say, when you get back to work, to put on a friendly face, but stand your ground if confronted. That doesn't mean you have to be confrontational...just logic out the situation for everyone. You work, you keep your jobs. You don't work, you may lose them. You're just doing your best to keep everyone working. Make everyone feel included, because you're working for their benefit as well. At the moment it sounds like they think you're only looking out for yourself...doesn't make sense, but that's human nature for you.

Good luck!!

Hi Beyond77,

I think in this situation you must think in the most basic of terms here.....that being you can only control YOU! You are doing the job that is expected of you. What your other fellow employees do or don't do is on them, not you. Sure, they can throw their frustrations your way and blame you for doing a "good" job when theirs is obviously lacking (for whatever reason).

It's also important to remember that when there is a change in management, very often long term employees will dig their heels in when changes come down the pike. Comments like "well we never did it that way before" or "this will never work" are very often common during managerial changes.

As long as you are doing your job to the best of your ability, that's the most important thing. Hold your head high, don't get cocky and know you are doing the right thing. (not everyone's work ethics are the same)

Wishing you well.....


sabby

Congrats on figuring out a system that works for you! Encourage the others to also find a system for them, and how that's what you worked on for yourself.

Tell the supe you don't want to be hung out in front of everyone as it does make for a tense office. You don't have to feel you are throwing them under the bus by sharing what you think. Their talking in the background, that you hear when they are wasting the employer's time and money, is also slowing you down by distracting you. I'm sure you have breaks where everyone can chat then for a bit?

Maybe -maybe- you could tell the supervisor that the others might not realize how much time they are chatting with comments to each other? Share your system with the supervisor. That might help her encourage the others to find a system that works for them. But in all honesty, if they haven't figured out how to do their job yet, how to apply themselves to catch up, then they might not be the best people for the job, you know? You have no control over that. Much of your angst is over things that aren't your concern or under your control. That's why the supervisor gets the big bucks, you know? Let her do her job and you keep right on doing what works for you and the company!

Hi all--

Just wanted to stop in and talk about the latest, since I went back into work today. Whoo, boy--I'll try to make this as concise as I can, as I am still very upset (I've already shed a lot of tears ). I'm also covered with crap, because it really hit the fan today! In all seriousness, though, I could really use some more impartial advice.

Here's what happened:

--I came back into the office after today's event, April and June barely said hi and headed out for lunch. Ok, whatever. A coworker who works in a different department, but sits near my desk apparently could tell something was up, and I told her that it was ok, but that April and June were probably a bit pissed off at me right now for something. She then said that she wondered what was going on--I asked her if anyone had said anything, she said no, but added, "it's one of those things...you know how you can tell something is up?" Yeah, I do!

--I go to my desk and check my e-mail. Sure enough, my supervisor's supervisor sent an e-mail going on about how I was "setting the standard" for calls...and told everyone exactly how many calls I did recently. Eek, talk about uncomfortable. More uncomfortable still was the fact that my supervisor also sent another e-mail herself, asking everyone to get with me to see how I did my calls, how everyone needed to do 100 calls a day, etc. I felt so uncomfortable that I sent my supervisor an e-mail about how much I appreciated their complements, but that I feared singleing me out might make for a tense situation. (She has not yet replied back to me).

--April and June come back from lunch, and don't say much at all to me. I figured that it was time to just lay it all out there and tackle the elephant in the room, so I asked to speak to them both. I said that I just wanted them to know that I had nothing to do with the e-mails my supervisor (and her supervisor) sent--and here is where it starts getting UGLY. April asks me why I would think that, and while I'm at it, for me to explain why I thought that lying about/witholding my call numbers was a good idea. (Since the e-mail my supervisor's supervisor sent had my actual totals in it, she figured out what I'd been doing). I said that I felt that my call totals were between me and my supervisor, and I didn't want anyone to feel that I was trying to brag, hint that they should be doing more calls when that's not my job, hate me for making the calls, etc. I repeated here how I wasn't trying to be sneaky really, just trying to "keep the peace". And, because I worried about causing a situation EXACTLY LIKE THIS ONE!!! They then said that they really didn't care about how many calls I made, only that they cared about what they themselves were doing as far as work, and how offended they were that I see them this way.

--April and June then asked me how doing that was being part of a team, how I don't act like I'm part of the team because I'm always doing "secretive" stuff (like what happened in my earlier posts--the weekend event). They also asked why I thought that they were upset, anyway. I said that I got that feeling from their actions, and that I didn't want to ask them alright because by doing so I felt like I had to walk on eggshells. They then said that my behavior--what I've described above--was "childish", and that "they had that conversation before, and don't know how many times they need to explain it to me" that they don't care how many calls I do, but that they do care when I "go behind their backs". There was also the suggestion by them that "maybe we should all be secretive about things now, since it's apparently ok". They then left very angry and offended, and didn't want to talk anymore.

--This whole thing brought out a lot of emotions, and I'll admit that I went back to my desk (it's in a corner, I'm not easily seen when I'm in there) and cried. Still, I got it together and got back to work, and finished another call list. I e-mailed the totals, like normal, to my supervisor. Right before this, I hear April talking on the phone to my supervisor, in a way that's apparently about the lists.

--Later, I see that April has sent an e-mail to everyone defending herself and her work. She sends a copy of her completed lists to my supervisor, "because she wanted to clear up the perception that she wasn't doing her part". She then said how she thought that we were all doing the lists the same way, but apparently we were not--and then pointed out that on a typical list, a list of, let's say, 100 people might actually be 50 calls because of multiple people in the family listed under the same phone #. True, but...

Now, I NEVER insinutated that she didn't make calls, even with my frustrations, because I know that she does. She also has other duties, which she also pointed out in her e-mail. That's true, no argument there. But what she didn't mention:I had been listing the lists by # of names because SHE gave me a hard time a few weeks ago when I asked if we should give the lists to our supervisor by # of actual calls. (And yes, this was one of the "you won't get on the same page with us and be a team player" moments, when I tried to explain that exact same reasoning).

I am overwhelmed to say the least. This is another one of those situations where I don't know which way is up--if the problem really is with me, or if I'm being misdirected. I look inside and ask myself these questions and can't find an answer; I'm not sure what is real or not, who's right or wrong. It's NOT a pleasant feeling.

Wow, what a crazy situation...hard to analyze when you're not there watching it all happen. Based on what you've said though, I can offer a few thoughts that I am quite certain are true:

- First of all, you're co-workers are really on the sensitive side. I mean, things happen, office politics, etc. But it sounds like they're a couple of powderkegs always about to go off. The kicker for me is that this April sent out an e-mail to everyone "defending" herself. That is way, way, way out of line. You don't start fights via e-mail like that. Believe me, your supervisors certainly won't take kindly to that. That is not typical office behaviour...in fact it is probably a fireable offense.

- It sounds like you sent an appropriate e-mail to your supervisor, explaining your slight discomfort about the situation. It sounds like everyone at the top is in panic mode, which either means a) there is something to be worth panicking over, or b) they are blowing things out of proportion. It's hard to tell which one of those would be the preferable choice, though one always wants to have good bosses.

- The lying about your call numbers...yeah, I can see how your co-workers might take that the wrong way. But you certainly had your reasons, and I think you explained them quite well. I mean, for crying out loud, we're all human, and we're all just trying to do what we think is right at any given time.

Anyway, it sounds like you're playing your part just fine, though I can understand why everything would make you so upset...it would make anyone upset to be treated that way. I'd say just keep going with your instincts and hope the bad blood blows over. If not, you've done as much as you could.

I feel for you and how this entire office situatuion has you so upset. I do hope you do continue to do your good work and feel or try to feel good about doing the right thing regardless.

Hang in there December will be here soon and with a new call center coming, 'April and June' my find themselves staning in the unemployeemnt line come Janurary if there is no longer the need for as many employees as the call center may lessen the need for workers. At least you have shown your dedication to the company despite the others who are being so nasty.

I hope you can try and give yourself a pat on the back for doing a good job, and not let the others bring you down for doing an excellent performance, hard work will pay off in the end if even job security in a job shortage, easy to say to try not let april and june bother you, but you have to be able to eat and a place to live.

Try if possible to not let them bring down your self esteem and as the ohters have said you have not done anything wrong and hope things brighten up at the office for you soon. best regards and wishes, krzyk101

Hi Digdug,

Thank you for your comments. Sorry I wrote another book , but as I said earlier, I was running high on emotion and had to let it all out. So glad that I can do that here, I really appreciate everyone!

[QUOTE=digdug;867053]Wow, what a crazy situation...hard to analyze when you're not there watching it all happen. Based on what you've said though, I can offer a few thoughts that I am quite certain are true:

Yeah, this surprised me a bit, even with all that had gone on. I have to admit that was pretty ballsy, and I'm interested in seeing what the response to that will be.

No, I don't feel that I'm exaggerating at all when I say that I feel that I have to walk on eggshells, despite how much they protest otherwise. I absolutely hate that feeling, but as of right now I can't figure out what I need to do to make it go away!

From what I know about the contract, which, admittedly, isn't even the top of the iceberg--there is indeed a real threat of the head office axing us (or at least our participation in our program) if we don't keep up our end of the bargain in community events or calls. We are being watched closely by the higher-ups, so yeah, I'd say that the fear is more than legit

Thank you. This whole thing upsets me all the more because I have had some very traumatic workplace experiences in the past with office politics, female cattiness, etc. (In this office and in other offices, too). In all honesty, this is nothing to compare to the worst experiences I've had; but it still makes the worst memories come flooding back

Hi krzyk101,

Thank you for your support and encouragement It means a lot!

Hopefully this won't offend anyone...but ironically, while I was at this morning's event, there was a speaker there who was giving a seminar about stress, and at one point mentioned "if God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it". I'm hoping that will be the case for me!

Hey all--

I just wanted to check in with everyone, because I need some major prayers, support, etc. Hell, if you want to cuss me out, feel free to do that, too I just need some sort of answer as what to do before I lose it!!

Apparently the situation that I've been posting about here has reached the boiling point. Because I wasn't sure what else to do, I've been trying everything I can to stay out of April and June's way, just so things wouldn't get any worse--but apparently, that wasn't enough. The other day, I actually finished all of my call lists and asked my supervisor what I needed to do next, since I had some left to put into the database. (They'd been called, but not put in yet as these were done before I developed my "system". There were also a couple that didn't get put in from the other day due to our internet being down.) I asked if I needed to call other lists that were out first, but the supervisor told me to go ahead and enter what I needed to. So that's what I'd been doing. The others were asking if I said that my system had to do with calling some numbers, then putting them in, and why I had stuff to put in if that was the case. I explained what was happening, but I still got the feeling that they thought I was lying because, frankly, having to explain myself like this peeved me.

Then there came today. Our supervisor is visiting b/c we have some training today. April called me over to her desk and said that she wanted to tell me to my face that she was going to meet with our supervisor alone to tell her about her concerns--about the office and me, that she felt that the issues form the other day were directed at her, and I was now considered me untrustworthy & underhanded (because I had apologized to the others who brought up the other issues with me), and "someone to watch out for". She said that if we had to do events together, she would do them, but that we were not friends outside of that. Wow...I was floored to put it mildly, but I told her that was fair enough and that I appreciated her telling this to my face instead of behind my back. I didn't respond with what I wanted to (a whole lot of anger and frustration) because I felt that there was enough fuel going to the fire.

I went back to my desk and e-mailed my supervisor, and asked to have a meeting with her myself as I felt there were some issues that I needed to give my side of the story on--I feel that it's the supervisor's call in the end what she wants to do about this mess, but I also feel that I have the right to defend myself. She e-mailed me back and said that she would be glad to meet with me if there was time (the meeting is on a very tight schedule). I can honestly say that I am more interested in defending myself and setting the record sraight than I am in saying/doing anything nasty, or anything that would make me look bitter.

It hurts, though. And it hurts even more to realize that, because we're a small office, that everyone else appears to be supporting April and June. I feel that I am truly standing alone, and fear that now most everyone apparently thinks I'm a snotty, selfish, and untrustworthy person. I'm not planning to quit, though--I've run from situations like this before, but I feel determined to stand this time if at all possible.

Anyway, I just needed to get that out, and ask for your thoughts. You don't have to agree with them, or me, I just need someone to say SOMETHING, to give me a clue as what to do next. Everyone here has been so great with their responses and advice, and I truly thank you for that.

wow beyond77, what a nasty mess! i just read the whole post on this and if you are reporting yourself accurately (and i believe you are) then you have chosen to "take the high road" and not stoop to pettiness, retaliation or office politics to gain favor with the others in the office. by doing the actual job you haven't had TIME to be doing anything wrong.

sometimes you just have to do what you think is the right thing and then hold your ground. i would agree with the speaker who says "if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it". i have always found God to be willing to help me - especially when i've been able to place a problem in His capable hands and step back and let it rest there.

do all the venting you need here, where it is safe. then just keep your head on the job at work and focus on it and not on your "office reputation". place your popularity into God's hands if you are able and then just do the job. you can do that and you can get through this.

i'm sorry but sometimes there is NO good solution. you can do it all correctly and it may turn out sour. BUT, the way you have been doing the job if you had to walk away or were let go you would go with your head held high. that will help you no matter where you are working.

i learned that on the jobs i did. i reminded myself that in my faith my ultimate boss is always God. so i work as if i am reporting to God and it keeps me honest and hard-working AND peaceful (most of the time).

i respect the job you have been doing and i worked phone lines before and know a little bit of what you may have faced. it was different but one time i answered 263 phone calls for information on the Coast Guard in a 7 hour shift with no break. when the pressure goes on for a long time it does get really tough. pat yourself on the back from me!

hugs,

leslie

Hi Leslie, thank you for your kind words and prayers. Just to know someone out there is listening means so much.

I'm still reeling from yesterday, but it turned out that my supervisor didn't have time to meet with either me or April as she and some other visitors to our office had to get back to their offices before dark (it's about 2 hours away, and they've had a lot of snow/ice over the last couple of days).

I'm still floored that April decided to "tell it to my face" like I did. Not so much for her words (which most definitely stung and hurt), but that she chose to do so out in a cubicle area where others could most definitely hear--not in a private area like an office or back room. I'm assuming that she did this to protect herself since she's convinced that I'd not tell my supervisor some lie of what happened afterward, and also possibly so others could hear and back her up somehow. When I she called me over to her cube, I hadn't even really spoken to her that day, she just called me over by my name and then it began. Obviously too, this was before the supervisor and other guests got there!!

It just seemed inappropriate to me--if you really feel the need to tell someone something like this and want a witness, whatever happened to taking that witness in to an office with us and closing the door? I felt bad for the other people having to hear all of it, especially when it had nothing to do with them. I've been on the other side of overhearing arguments like this, and I can vouch for the fact that it can really unnerve you, even if it's not something you're involved in.

I just don't get it. ,I'm not perfect, and have definitely made some mistakes, but I'm not a witch whose niceness is all a cold, calculated act to stab someone in the back (as these girls--and others--apparently and mistakenly believe).