A Manager’s Unwise Decision and the Consequences
Working for a company for many years can create a sense of stability and routine. However, when a new manager comes in with a vision for change, things can quickly spiral out of control. This is exactly what happened to an employee who found themselves caught in a web of poor decisions made by their new manager.
The employee had been with the company for over 18 years and was responsible for managing a high-end production facility. Their role involved working closely with multiple teams, ensuring that all incoming quality and test engineering tasks were completed efficiently. They maintained open communication with production and inventory supervisors, always staying ahead of the schedule and preparing for any upcoming needs. Additionally, they supported the development engineering group by testing new products during the development phase. This required not only strategic planning but also the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
However, everything changed when a new manager joined the team. From the very first meeting, it was clear that the manager was uncomfortable being in a room where they weren’t the smartest person. After a few weeks of getting familiar with the workplace, the manager sent an email stating that no one could alter the employee’s schedule without going through them first. The manager would be the one to set the employee’s priorities and work hours moving forward.
This decision immediately disrupted the employee’s well-balanced workflow. The manager wasn’t available when needed, leading to significant issues. A week later, two product design qualifications were scheduled, along with a surprise customer visit to observe the testing. The manager had left strict instructions that the employee should focus solely on production materials. However, the manager had signed out as a “work from home” day and wasn’t answering any of the numbers provided. Eventually, they were found at the local park with their kids, but not before the customer left in frustration.
Because the employee followed the manager’s rule, they ended up in trouble. The next week, the manager called them into his office and attempted to write them up for not testing the product when the client arrived. The employee presented a printed copy of the manager’s email and insisted that the HR team witness the discussion. The meeting was rescheduled for three days later, giving the manager time to prepare the HR representative.
During the meeting, the HR representative asked why the employee hadn’t tested the products when requested. The employee handed over the email, explaining that they had followed the new policy and still faced consequences. They demanded to file a harassment complaint against the manager. Although HR was on the employee’s side, the manager tried to downplay the situation, saying, “Let’s just slow this down a bit.” The HR representative could have ignored the charges, even if she didn’t agree that the company requires all harassment claims to be investigated.
The harassment claim was documented as a verbal warning. Since then, the manager has avoided any interaction with the employee, even withholding information about staff meetings. The employee doesn’t mind this arrangement, as less contact with the manager means fewer problems.
New managers must understand that changing established processes without proper consideration can lead to more issues than solutions. This story highlights the importance of communication, transparency, and respect in the workplace.
Reddit’s Reaction to the Story
The story sparked a lot of discussion on Reddit. Many users shared their own experiences and offered advice. One common recommendation was to document everything. Another user echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of keeping records in case of disputes.
Some users pointed out that being excluded from meetings can lead to serious consequences. Others noted that new managers often turn a good work environment into a toxic one.
For those interested in more stories like this, there are plenty of similar accounts online. One such story involves an employee who took matters into their own hands when their manager refused to pay for their travel expenses during a business trip.
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