Colleague I really like not performing

[Merryoldgoat]

This is tricky and I’m not sure what to do which is rare for me at work.

I have a colleague ‘Jean’ who is a manager on my level. We both report into ‘Paul’ and the three of us get on well and have a good working relationship. Jean and I are also friends and socialise and text about non work stuff and I REALLY like her. Paul is not part of our socialising - strictly work.

We manage different departments but there’s a fair bit of crossover. Her portion of a project we’re working on has fallen massively behind and owing to this I’ve been working like a bitch to keep up and meet deadlines.

She is having some personal issues which are affecting work and I want to be supportive and I’m happy to pick up some slack and pitch in.

However it’s becoming apparent to Paul she’s let things slide. I’m clearly doing a lot that’s her responsibility; I don’t want her to get caught out but I won’t lie to protect her.

She’s ignoring emails so I’m having to chase several times for stuff.

Paul has asked me outright (via email late this afternoon which is why I’ve not answered yet) if I’m waiting on her for stuff and is it causing problems.

My instinct is to be honest but in a watered down way but if it carries on much longer I’ll have to drop her in it and obviously I don’t want her to get in trouble.

WWYD I suppose rather than AIBU?

Jean is an over thinker. I am not. This means I’m generally a bit quicker and more responsive and I think this magnifies the issue.

Sorry it’s long!!

I would say that you are happy to pitch in to help on the project as it is a team effort. I would then talk to Jean. Tell her exactly what has happened so she can up her game.

I think the place to start is a frank chat with Jane. See if there is anything you can do to support her, but make her aware that you can't do her job for her, and she needs to up her game. Hopefully the two of you could work out a way to improve things and go to Paul with at least an idea of a solution?

I would speak to Jean and say her underperformance has been noticed and you are coming under pressure to do something about it.

If the personal issue is affecting her enough could she request mental health leave?

First of all, I wouldn't put anything in writing (email) at this stage.

As Jean is a friend could you speak with her openly and honestly about how you feel the impact of picking up the slack is having on you and that you're finding it increasingly difficult - and that Paul is asking you questions. Strongly urge her to speak with Paul to see if work can support her during her challenging time.

I'd have a quiet chat with Paul and, without breaking details of a confidence, say that there are things that you're waiting for and you've tried to encourage Jean to speak with him about any possible reasons for her not performing to full capacity just now.

That way you are letting Jean know what impact supporting her is starting to have on you and you're also, informally, forewarning Paul.

@Thepeopleversuswork

I’m not sure - she might be able to. I could suggest it. The issue is she’s neglected her part for months so she’s so behind. I think taking time off would make her feel worse.

@cansu @Hereforsummer

I think you are both right and a frank chat with Jean is in order.

@Thegreatestoftheseislove

First of all, I wouldn't put anything in writing (email) at this stage.

totally agree which is why I’ve avoided reply as yet. I think you are completely correct though so I will follow your advice.

I understand you want to support Jean, but don't let your own professional reputation suffer, and don't leave Paul hanging, it's not fair to him if he is equally responsible for the project but doesn't have the full picture of what's going on.

@HonoriaLucastaDelagardie

No I won’t.

I’ve replied. I’ve said that it’s not a problem yet and I’m happy to help a colleague during a tricky patch but if we don’t address it soon it could become a problem and she and I will meet next week to formulate a plan.