That's Tellin' Her - The Bitch is Back

[rickps]

Way back in May, I last posted about some drama I'd experienced with the office Administrative Assistant.  Since that time, a quiet and uneasy peace has existed between she and I.  For her part, she remained as competent in her work as ever and seemed to have vented out her frustrations, leaving her surprisingly upbeat.  I fully expected that her sunny disposition would not last forever.  And sadly, I was correct.

About a month ago, her mood began to drift steadily downhill.  Routine challenges in daily work tasks were cause for deep sighs and random fits of bitchy behavior.  Time spent on personal cell phone calls increased.  Rumors began to fly that she and her current cohabitant boyfriend were splitting up.  These rumors were confirmed when she announced that she was moving and might need to take some vacation time.  I assured her that any vacation time she needed would be approved and turned a deaf ear to the daily angst in her move.

This past Wednesday it all came to a boil when her desired plan for our holiday party was rejected by all other staff members.  She rudely berated my second in command and other staff members for their 'betrayal'.  I got the silent treatment.  Yesterday, she stalked about, saying little to anyone, took a lunch break to which she was not entitled, and snapped at those who crossed her path.  Childish?  Yes.  Unprofessional?  Certainly.

They say that there's a first time for everything.  Taking the steps that will be needed to discipline and possibly terminate an employee simply because their attitude sucks is such a first for me.  This woman needs to go.  I'm saddened by the way it will likely come down.  I am not a happy camper.

Comments

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Part of professionalism is leaving your emotional baggage unpacked at home, leaving the matched set at home. Good luck as you begin this process. You can let her toxicity continue.

HUGS!

[jazzbearny.livejournal.com]

Can I play devil's advocate here? If she's acting bitchy because of personal problems, citing her actions to prompt disciplinary measures against her will only make her defensive and even more of a pain. Especially if she feels that she's the victim of a "conspiracy" that's out to get her. Most likely, things will escalate and charges will soon be flying all over the place.

Is there any mediator you can turn to?

[rwcubdad.livejournal.com]

Bear, I have dealt with these issues many times in my years as being a supervisor and they are never easy. What you have to do is tie these outbursts and behavior problems to how it effects the office and how you expect people to conduct themselves. Being understanding and compassionate and maintaining a line of professional standards is a fine line but its still a line that exists. *HUGS* Isn't it just great being a boss?