Should be in work section...but need responses!!!

[Rocklover]

I have been at my new job for around 5 weeks and today I was called into the office for my first informal "chat". My manager (a bloke) had a short list on a ripped in half piece of paper and hadn't given me any warning so Ididn't have time to think.

Anyway, to the point, he said some valid stuff about how I could become more efficient etc. But then he said this "I am not being personal or anything, but you don't seem to wake up for the first half an hour, we'll put a crate of Red Bulls by your desk shall we". He also was concerned that I was too quiet (there are only 5 people in the office and none of them attempt to start converstaions with me).

I was quite insulted by the not awake comment, I never have and never will shirk my work responsibilities and I always do everything I need to do. Quite frankly it has made me feel really uncomfortable and as if I am under a microscope in such a small office. I am dreading going back in on Monday as I don't know how to act, any advice on what to do? Also does anyone else think this was a strange comment?

yes, it does seem like a strange comment. i agree the effect is one that makes you feel under scrutiny. how do you feel about telling him that you'd like further clarification, and that it makes you feel uncomfortable. perhaps there's a specific thing...

what is he like in general? is he a jokey kind of bloke? you could make a joke of it, but tbh i think at this early stage that's not really an option unless you can read the situation very well.

I am not sure I could talk to him, he is jokey, but this didn't feel like that and at this stage I do not want to wade in and make the situation worse.

The 2nd two weeks I was there I was training and had to have someone sit next to me whilst I took phone calls (it was mainly my manager). I found this awful as there were only about 4 calls in the 3 hours I work as they were going through a lull and he made it quite plain that he was bored. I am wondering if that had anything to do with the comment. I am very confused by what he said as I don't really understand what he means. I would consider changing jobs but it will be so much hassle with cancelling/changing my working tax credits.

This manager cant have enough to do if he can spend 3 hours sitting next to you waiting for the phone to ring!

Seems a very odd way to check your work.

Years ago I had the same thing said about me re being too quiet and not making conversation. Its very hard when you feel your in a subordinate situation (I was a student then) to tell your supervisor that when you do, you get monosyllabic answers that dont encourage further attempts!

But probably the only thing you could do is try to make conversation - if no-one will chat to you, then maybe its not the best place to be working in.

Sorry I cant make any better suggestions!

they do seem unwelcoming. but i often found when starting a new job that it took a while to get to know people. imho i think it takes longer to settle in a job than in a new social situation. they can't just leave their job so they check you out for longer iyswim. they're in a strong position, they know the ropes, so they don't have to make the effort. imo anyway.

it doesn't seem like your boss is a particularly good manager, to not give you warning and not give you a clear idea of what is required. the early morning thing - everyone is a bit dozy. or are you sleeping with your head on the keyboard ? i think you would be absolutely within the boundaries say that you're not sure what you're doing wrong in the morning, could he elaborate?

in future, i'd also not take to heart too much of what he says, and don't expect too much from him. i'm sure things will improve over time and if they don't, you can look around.

The ting is I come in at 11.30am not first thing and generally get any filing out of the way first. I do tend to be quieter in this period simply because I am making sure that I am set up for the rest of my shift. But I can't tell whether he is referring to this or something else.

I certainly don't sit at my desk yawning with a "can't be arsed" attitude. The job is pretty slow...not many phone calls and as I was brought into to cover the luch hours I am wondering whether they are thinking they don't have enough work for me.

Besides, having thought about it, I do believe he was being very rude and have decided to look for another job as I don't think I should have to waste my time with people as uncivil as this!

well there are plenty of jobs out there with nice people. go with your gut instinct.