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Original poster

Probation extended but exceeded every objective

263 replies

daimbar · 06/12/2016 08:02

Line manager has decided to extend my 6 month probation for 3 months.

His reasoning is 'I was given an impossible task' as every other team member left within weeks of me starting and I was 'fire fighting' to cover off their work.

Despite this I have exceeded every objective I was given.

Should I challenge this with HR? Or just keep my head down and focus on impressing him in the next 3 months.

It's been a big blow to my confidence as I thought I was doing really well.

OP posts:
HelenDenver · 16/01/2017 07:48

Good luck

iMatter · 16/01/2017 07:54

Good luck. We're all with you in spirit - imagine us all in the meeting with you!

Original poster
daimbar · 16/01/2017 07:59

Aw thank you imatter and Helen I really appreciate the support! Should be out by 10.30 so will update then

OP posts:
catinbooots · 16/01/2017 08:21

Good luck Daim!

I've been in s smiling situation myself before and I know how horrid it is x

LovelyBaubles · 16/01/2017 08:25

I've been in a similar situation and desperately not wanted to cry. I tried to channel my friend who is strong and confident. In my head I'd recite a mantra...what would Georgina do, over and over. It helped me to take a step back and not get too emotional.
Also pinching the bit of skin between my forefinger and thumb.
Finally being prepared, take in copies of your probation report, relevant emails etc. And have notes of what you want to say and rehearse them.

Good luck. We're rooting for you.

Namechangeemergency · 16/01/2017 08:30

Good luck for today.
How the hell did he manage to advertise the job without going through HR? Confused

Hope all goes well.

TallulahTheTiger · 16/01/2017 08:34

Good luck Daim agree with the skin pinching thing as Ive found it helps! I wonder if he's trying to see himself as the hero for the team, everyone else leaving and he's doing so well... Except its you doing so well??

CanarySong · 16/01/2017 08:41

Good luck! Hope you really unnerve the fucker by writing everything down Grin.

Meeep · 16/01/2017 08:49

Good luck, 'though tbh with the rest of the team leaving and this sort of behaviour already from your line manager, I'd have a big think about whether it's the sort of place you want to stay in.

pinkcardi · 16/01/2017 09:20

I've been reading your post and just want to wish you all the best of luck for your meeting. It sounds as if HR have their eye on him now, and I so I hope that all goes well today. Remain strong, you're doing so well

Original poster
daimbar · 16/01/2017 09:41

Thanks so much everyone!

So I emailed boss on Friday and sent him a meeting request for 9.30am this morning.

He's got into work, took his phone and laptop into the meeting room and closed the door!

No reply to my email and he hasn't accepted the meeting request. Angry

I can see him through the glass - he's on the phone.

He's trying to play a power game so just keeping my cool and being patient.

OP posts:
CanarySong · 16/01/2017 09:43

Ha.

Ok I'd refuse any meeting now until a third party can accompany you.

CanarySong · 16/01/2017 09:43

Ha.

Ok I'd refuse any meeting now until a third party can accompany you.

HelenDenver · 16/01/2017 09:44

Maybe he's on the phone to HR trying to explain what the hell he was up to!

Nellyphants · 16/01/2017 09:45

I'd bet he's on to HR, he knows the jig is up.

Academicshmacerdemic · 16/01/2017 09:55

He sounds worried

Original poster
daimbar · 16/01/2017 10:02

Oh FFS!

He has changed the time of the meeting to 4pm. This isn't looking good, that would be a logical time to choose if you were going to get rid of somebody and didn't want the embarrassment of them clearing their desk mid way through the day.

WTF do I do now?!

OP posts:
CanarySong · 16/01/2017 10:05

Ask for hr to be present.

FetchezLaVache · 16/01/2017 10:09

Possibly he's just trying to power-play you and take back a bit of control...

Nellyphants · 16/01/2017 10:11

Id ask HR to be there, take back a bit of control.

Original poster
daimbar · 16/01/2017 10:19

The HR woman isn't in the office until Thursday but I will email her.

OP posts:
HelenDenver · 16/01/2017 10:20

I would honestly not presume he is trying to get rid of you by meeting at 4pm!

LovelyBaubles · 16/01/2017 11:04

I really think you do need someone else in the meeting with you. Could another colleague attend with you?

It might be worth giving acas a call to see if they can offer any advice. Or do you have any union representation?

Original poster
daimbar · 16/01/2017 11:43

No union as I'm in the private sector...

There is a new junior HR assistant in the office who I haven't spoken to before.

Would it be a good idea to involve him? Or wait for the HR manager to reply to my email.

Forgot to mention he got rid of a previous team member in probation. She had only been here about 6 weeks but I don't think he involved HR. This was all before I started so don't know how justified it was.

OP posts:
Nellyphants · 16/01/2017 11:43

You definitely need somebody else in the meeting(I work in HR). Otherwise it could turn into he said you said. If there's nobody available today I'd ask to postpone until HR is available tomorrow.

I'd also email HR giving a brief outline of what's happened to date.

You sound as though you have your head screwed on OP. Good luck

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