How to deal with this complaint from my new boss

[Coffeegrounddown]

So I've recently changed departments in the company I've been working in for over a decade. I have an impeccable work record in the company.

I'm working on a new project and my new line manager knows about the project of course but doesn't really know the ins and outs. That's fine, it's not his job to know, that's why he hired me.

But twice now in a month he's called me into his office to let me know that I have a poor work ethic, that I complain to get out of work, and that I lie to cover my lack of work. Not an official complaint yet, he kindly tells me, just to keep lines of communication open apparently.

The reason I was in trouble today was because I suggested we need an extension on a soft deadline which is basically unmanageable. My manager doesn't really understand the complexity of his request and he thinks my suggesting an extension is evidence of me lying and being workshy.

I don't really know what I'm asking except what on earth should I do about this?

Unfortunately there is no point changing departments because the entire management is putrid. One of the reasons I took on this role was to escape my previous boss. And no it's not just me causing the problem; I have many colleagues with similar complaints.

If the whole org has the toxic vibe why don’t you start looking elsewhere?

perhaps it’s good opportunity for you to explore your options 😉

I'm a union rep.

Email him back outlining the conversation and what he said to you, under the guise of 'further to our earlier meeting you said xx to me. Please can you confirm this.'

You need this shit in writing.

Thanks Glorifried. I'm concerned about formalising it (he said it was just a chat to keep open communication) in case it gets nasty. It could well be seen as a confrontational move.

One thing is for sure, if he tries to talk to me like that again I will halt the meeting to call in HR and if it finishes with me losing my job then so be it. I'm not having anyone ever talk to me like that again.

I agree - this won’t end well. When someone in authority is that unprofessional and emotive you’re never going to win.

I would take steps to get out asap.

Yes email him and ask for clarification on what he said. State you’ve worked hard for the company for the last 10 years (as records show) and was alarmed to hear the words work-shy, lazy. Then break down the issue in bullet points so that it’s spelt out.

is this his way of pressuring you to work out of hours?

Can you look for an internal move?

You have to be excruciatingly polite and act like you’re a smart hardworking person who for some inexplicable reason finds oral conversations quite challenging.

Hi Matt, thanks for the chat this morning, I still have some concerns about the project timelines, namely; x, y and z etc.

I’m not sure I have total clarity on what you thought we should do - could you outline your thoughts? Thanks, Mary.

He probably knows exactly what he is doing having little ‘chats’ rather than documenting his conversations in the first place. The fact that you were even considering working overtime shows WHY he is doing it - because it has a high chance of success, making him look like an effective manager while you give up your life to facilitate this. He doesn’t give a shit if you burn out. OR, he could just instinctively manage/work like this - you’re not working hard enough unless you’re killing yourself.

He’ll either know exactly why you want it in writing and back off, or walk into the trap of putting it in writing.

He's a twat and I'd be looking to move department or job.

This thread is 6 months old now...

The OP has either resolved this or has hopefully changed jobs...

Be specific. Ask for examples of being work shy, complaining or lying. Ask why he views those instances as complaining, being work shy or lying. Then address each one.

Do it on email. But also, if the whole company is like this then it’s probably best to do this while looking for a new job.

You can’t argue with stupid, I’d be looking for a new job away from him.

Edit: Zombie. What happened in the end @Coffeegrounddown ?

I wonder what the outcome was!

I think OP not responding to her own thread makes me think the boss may have had a point…

I’d do this, but I’d be copying in his line manager/ head honcho/ some higher up who knows you well and has authority.
I d also start asking about being moved to a different team/ department on the basis that you can see you are on a hiding to nothing with this job.

Did you back up WHY you needed the extension with facts, and by email?

Eg I note the deadline of 15th April is going to be impossible to meet even with overtime, due to the fact we need to do Process A which takes 3 weeks in addition to Process B which also takes a further 2-3 weeks - and we cannot run B till we have the results of A. Could we suggest a revised deadline of y date to cover this?