To think this is over managing a new starter?

[crunchymint]

A new receptionist has just started at my workplace. The manager is sitting in reception, and plans to be there all day, working on his laptop and observing the receptionist at all times.
This seems way over the top,or is it just me who thinks that?

Poor woman.

Bloody hell how oppressive. I'd possibly have walked out by now, I can't stand having people sit over me.

Maybe he is there purely for support

No he is checking she does her job properly.

Depends on the confidence level of the new starter.

I started in a pharmacy - just on the counter - and had to work with a manager hovering around me for a week - 1. to give me guidance on every little thing that gets done, 2. to give me the confidence to talk to people about some very embarrassing things with back up right there.

Seemed over the top at the time, but I was glad of it as the first day unfolded.

Thats out of order. He sounds like a bully.

Depends.

Is he being friendly and chatty and introducing her to everyone? Or is he glowering at her over the top of his laptop like an evil overlord?

Thanks. I start to doubt myself because so many stuff goes on here that is way over the top. He is a horrible arrogant man.

TheQueen I am not sitting in reception. He is not glowering at her, but I heard him correcting her over the exact phrases to say to people who come in.

Not uncommon to have a bit of shadowing/mentoring early in the job to make sure they learn the ropes etc.

But sat there watching the (presumably competent) receptionist? Unless the receptionist needs to deal with complicated requests or difficult clients or something, this is totally nuts.

What else is he supposed to do, if she isn't using 'the script'? He can't let her carry on saying the wrong thing.
Is there anyone else there on reception who could be doing this, though?

It does sound a bit much.
If he was working the reception desk (to show how perfectly he can do it and exact phrases to use etc) and she was observing him then that’s fine but if he’s just sitting there pointing out all her errors then that’s not on.

No the receptionist has to get them to sign in, ask them to take a seat, and call the member of staff they are here to see. And put phone calls through that are to the general reception, rather than to a specific member of staff. That is it. The only at all complex bit is knowing who to put someone through to who may not be clear about what they want. The rest is straightforward. The receptionist deals with staff from other organisations visiting, suppliers and some members of the public. But unless a drunk stranger wanders in off the street, I can't see why they would deal with someone difficult.

Shatners I actually think having exact words in a script for visitors is micro management. And I do mean exact words. How can I help you for example is fine in general. But if someone comes rushing in late for a meeting and speaks first, you need to alter your script. The receptionist seems perfectly competent.

There was a thread a few days ago about a woman who walked out of her job on day three because she felt like she wasn't getting enough support so it cuts both ways I suppose. It does seem like a bit much but at least she'll learn the ropes quickly.

If he's correcting the wording she is using, because he wants things done in a particular way, then being physically in the same space is the only way to do that effectively. It's not inherently wrong to sit close to a new starter to give them on-the-job guidance/supervision until you're confident that they are performing as required. It could be reasonable, it could be over the top. It comes down to how he's approaching it, his tone of voice, and ultimately what effect it has on her. If he is a horrible arrogant person then he's probably not doing it 'the right way'.

Is she very attractive?

(cynical)

A script? Are they mad? That in itself is micro management.

I'd be interested to see how long she stays in that job!

What is his position in the company? Is there a higher boss whose office you and some others could wander past laughing loudly about what he's doing?

It is a little ominous to have your boss observe your every move when you are new (and correct you when you step out of line). Isn't there a more non-intrusive way to do this, like have her shadow either the boss or another receptionist?

I have no problems with handing out a script in advance or having some kind of staff manual. Sure, the receptionist should have flexibility to deviate but it will also be handy to have a stock phrase for a stock situation (e.g, how to turn someone down politely or insist on ID), especially if she does not have receptionist experience.

He is the boss of the company, no one above him. Yes he is an arse. I suspect he would not trust another receptionist to do this.

A receptionist position is "front of house" and a very important function to get right because it is the first impression a visitor gets of the company. The manager is right to put emphasis on getting it right, but it does need to be balanced with doing it in a way which does not damage her confidence or feel like big brother is watching (he is).

If the boss does not trust another receptionist to do this, then he has not trained her correctly? What then is the point of this 'high touch' training.

The other receptionist is overhearing all this. Will she/he then feel that they are also doing it wrong.

It is a bit weird to manage in this fashion. He does sound like an arse.