I just started a new job as a researcher. They hired a few people around the same time as me and we all have start dates around now-ish. I've been there a week. There is a new guy starting in my department in a more senior position than me, but not supervising me, on Monday. I just got his name today and looked him up, and... there are some things about him that a little bit of digging uncovered that are sketchy. (It's definitely him, please give me the benefit of the doubt here.) His job is not likely to be impacted by these revelations about his recent past, but if it were to get out that his history includes these things, it could endanger my company's reputation if a competitor or journalist found out. Nothing he did is illegal.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 1, 2013 -
18 answers
In my day to day life, I often have to deal with people who, instead of asking questions, make assumptions aloud at you about what you're going to be doing despite the fact that these assumptions may not be accurate. A lot of the time these techniques are used along with someone pretending to be so hopelessly helpless that they could not possibly take care of their own workplace problems.
Basically, it's a technique used by weasels.
For example:
"I know you're going to be very helpful during this process because..." or "I don't know x from z so it's a good thing you are here to handle that part"
They will also make assumptions about what you would and would not do. "I know you wouldn't want x or z to happen because..."
These things are usually in no way true. In fact, the weasel in question often knows they're not true, they're just testing boundaries.
So my question is generally, how does one push back against these behaviors without being rude, jarring and literal? Especially if you're dealing with a weasel -- they're better at this than you. I tend to shut down in the presence of weaselry, giving them very little the work with, but this doesn't seem like the best solution.
posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night
on Feb 1, 2013 -
19 answers
My employer seems to be pushing me toward filing an EEOC complaint or resigning my job. What do I do?
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 28, 2012 -
21 answers
I started a new job in a completely new place and I want to be the best colleague I can be. What are some tips or commonsense things for me to remember and internalize about appropriate workplace behavior?
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 13, 2012 -
8 answers
I have started a new job at a established internet startup. Decorating your cube is a big deal around here. I need ideas for something cool. As I am a project manager, I would like to have something somewhat professional but also creative / aesthetic pleasing. Any ideas for cube flair? Any cool cubes you have seen that aren't over the top? Help me have the coolest cube ever!!!
posted by jasondigitized
on Mar 28, 2012 -
7 answers
I get data review and entry work done extremely fast with no discernible lack of quality. But, I also have a persistent feeling I'm doing things wrong or missing important details. How to fix this?
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posted by reenum
on Mar 6, 2012 -
10 answers
Any good books out there on handling employee gossip, from a managerial perspective?
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 17, 2011 -
8 answers
I am a 22-year-old female who has just been informed that I have received a prestigious arts and culture internship in my Western U.S. city's government. This is my first real job, and I'm perplexed about what clothes to buy for a professional, yet comfortable summer wardrobe.
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posted by gothchick33
on May 19, 2011 -
12 answers
A consultant who works closely with my department hates me. He's not going anywhere. How do I deal?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 30, 2011 -
29 answers
I'm having a hard time sussing out whether a recent job candidate's informality (and non-adherence to gender norms) should be a major warning sign, eye-rollingly insignificant, or somewhere in between.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 23, 2011 -
84 answers
My boss recently hired a former coworker for an open position in the department. This person will be working on many of the same tasks and projects as I am. He was both well-liked and skilled at the job when he left years ago, and I am afraid that he's going to come back and completely outshine me. How can I handle this situation professionally?
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posted by fanta_orange
on Mar 22, 2011 -
11 answers
How common is physical abuse in the workplace? I had a boss who hit me a few years ago and I was talking to a friend recently and she said the same thing happened to her. Naturally, this made me curious as I thought physical abuse was relatively rare in the workplace compared to emotional.
posted by jihaan
on Nov 23, 2010 -
41 answers
I'm a legal secretary at a Big Law Firm, and was previously assigned to two attorneys, Sam and Sarah. Because my workload was light, I accommodated each of Sarah's requests as best I could (Sam is every secretary's dream, and requests very little assistance). To my own fault, I spoiled Sarah, enabled her laziness, and now find myself stuck in a hole. I've been assigned a new attorney, Scott, who is both new to the firm and has a large docket. My workload has increased substantially - Sarah is used to getting her way, and Scott has deadlines coming out of his ears. I need advice on how to get a couple points across to Sarah and Scott.
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 23, 2010 -
23 answers
How do I tell my bosses that my coworkers are making it impossible to do my work because they are essentially goofing off 50% of the time without getting my coworkers in trouble?
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posted by anonymous
on May 11, 2010 -
16 answers
Many workplaces ban social networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and so on. What are some of the reasons workplaces should allow (and even encourage) staff to use social networking sites?
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posted by Jaybo
on Oct 14, 2009 -
20 answers
What are the best strategies for my current work situation? Question relates to disability, unemployment, and illegal activities (not mine).
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posted by anonymous
on Sep 14, 2009 -
17 answers
Looking for info regarding employer disability laws relating to alcohol rehab in state of Conneticut.
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 6, 2009 -
4 answers
I have a very hard time keeping motivated and being productive when work is slow. If I am not either feeling pressure or being challenged, I get sloppy and underperform. Is this normal? What can I do to fix it?
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posted by twiggy
on May 27, 2009 -
9 answers
I'm part of a group of about 70 people (at a company of tens of thousands) spread across the country and we're having a hard time communicating, especially casually. Anyone have any suggestions?
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posted by Tilon
on Feb 18, 2009 -
18 answers
How to proceed with caution in dealing with a smart and talented boss who has anger-management and mental health problems...?
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posted by Sabine3283
on Jul 1, 2007 -
16 answers
My employer recently banned listening to music at work. Anyone know of any research related to the effects music has at the workplace?
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posted by rhyax
on May 26, 2006 -
17 answers
There's a new art exhibition in London showing works of art taken from people's workplaces, for example, sketches by particle physicists. Unfortunately I can't remember what it's called or anything else about it. Can anyone shed light on this, and if so, have you been to it?
posted by adrianhon
on Jul 3, 2004 -
2 answers
