Probation extended but exceeded every objective

[daimbar]

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.

[SorrelSoup]

I might be wrong, but i thought she was concerned that by her employer engaging with recruitment agencies it was signalling that she wasn't up to the job, and that word would get round that shes incompetent and her reputation would be damaged as she's in a niche market and everyone knows everyone, and they may not put her forward for jobs should the need arise.

[pinkcardi]

Agencies are worldly wise, if this guy has a reputation for being difficult, as you've implied before, then they will be aware of it.

They are also motivated by placing candidates so if you are a suitable candidate for a role they will of course put you forward. They won't rule you out based on some negative comments one biased person might make (and he might not)

I'd also suggest that you consider what you want from the situation now. He clearly doesn't want you in the team, however unfair this is. So (as previously suggested) if HR have your back then you'll probably have your job but I'd imagine the atmosphere would be tough at first at least. If HR aren't on your side then he will find a way, no amount of meeting targets on your side will change that.

In my opinion (and it's only that of course) your realistic best case scenario would be that HR support you, reprimand him, he starts behaving professionally and you rub along with a frosty atmosphere for some time. You'd have to be prepared for that.

Alternatively, is there another team that you could move into? Or another manager that you could report to? We've done similar in the past to protect an employee.

[SilentBatperson]

Can you email HR the screenshot in advance of the meeting? I don't know whether it's better for him to be given enough rope to hang himself or not!

[daimbar]

Thanks all for all the continuing advice.

Boss has actually been ok and rather jolly today. I even got a bit of praise!

Maybe he's realised what a ball ache it will be to start from scratch when there's already a perfectly good person doing the job. Maybe he's finalised his plan to get rid of me. He still had his secret meeting with a recruitment consultant so who knows.

I think the best way forward is to try and sit both him and HR down tomorrow and make him specify what he wants from me other than a 'feeling'

[daisychain01]

Daimler, he sounds really flakey and inconsistent. Being jolly and nice to you today does not obviate the fact he is giving you unattainable goals that you can never ever meet because they aren't measurable.

Believe me, it's only when you extricate yourself from this toxic style of management that you realise it is damaging to your professional self worth.

Don't waste a moment more of your talents and enthusiasm on someone who doesn't value you. It will only get worse.

[FetchezLaVache]

Just popping up to say hope it all goes well with HR today, daim!

[JustGettingStarted]

I would love for him to get his hand slapped and for you to keep your job, but his comeuppance may not happen until after you've left the company. You still applying for other jobs?

[girlelephant]

Hope today went well

[daimbar]

Hey thanks everyone!

Sadly nothing to report. HR woman was in but really busy in and out of meetings so didn't get a chance to speak to her.

I asked Boss if I should work on a new strategy for a section of the business. He said 'I don't want to give you too many tips' 😡

I am pretty sure that's an area the team should focus on so I'm doing it anyway.

[RoseValleyRambles]

??? what does he think this is, some sort of game show where working out how to do it right gets you a prize??? Without giving you clear objectives he is making you less able to be a valuable team member, during probation or at any point in your employment. What an oddball.

[Thingvellir]

my goodness he is a complete tool! I hope your HR person is up to the job of supporting you OP - I would be asking for a specific meeting time to be scheduled with her at this point.

At least the dick manager is giving you compelling examples to demonstrate his poor line management...

[UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea]

Don't let it slide OP, make sure you hunt down the HR person. You don't know what he might be doing or planning next!

[pinkcardi]

Agree, you need to follow through with HR as a priority. Have you emailed them yet?

Set it out factually: the comments he made in the meeting, the lack of clear targets despite asking, seeing your role advertised and the agency meeting too. Say that you are concerned/seeking clarification and would like a chance to discuss as soon as possible. If you wanted to make it less formal as you were uncomfortable then suggest a chat over a coffee out of the office perhaps.

You need to set a meeting in the diary or it is unlikely to happen. Remember that this is exactly the situation that HR are there for, but unless you tell them what's going on they can't help. And they'll always be going in and out of meetings if you just try to catch them when you have a moment.

[fukkigucci]

Any update OP?

[myfavouritecolourispurple]

I was also wondering what happened.

[pinkcardi]

Me three. Hope you are ok OP

[redexpat]

@daimbar how are things going? Are you ok?

[LooksBetterWithAFilter]

Just read the thread hoping for a good update. What an arse hope things are going better for you. Well done you've handled yourself brilliantly.

[daimbar]

Sorry for lack of update! Didn't realise people were still following.

Me, DP and DC have all had the norovirus. Had to take 3 days off sick which wasn't brilliant timing.

Anyway I still haven't managed to pin HR down for a meeting, have sent two emails and received no reply so will try and corner her tomorrow.

We record performance stats at the end of the month and I achieved the highest ever for January. No praise of course from boss, in fact it seemed to irritate him.

He has been undermining me in front of the team by criticising my work, asking every five minutes 'what are you working on now?' And when I tell him he says 'Why is that taking you so long?' It's just embarrassing in front of people junior to me. He's also deliberately excluding me from meetings I should be attending etc, ignoring my emails and generally being a prick.

Can't see a way forward and it's really getting me down tbh... however I have a job interview on Thursday morning

[girlelephant]

Well done on your great January and hope the interview goes well! Sounds like a fresh start may be the best option

[HopefulHamster]

Good luck for the interview. Your current place doesn't deserve you!

[UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea]

You need to pin down HR. This is now enough evidence for a grievance. It's all very well to have a job interview but until you have a confirmed job offer you are not safe.

And why should he push you out of a job you are brilliant at and you enjoy?

Well done for what you have achieved so far OP but I think you are being too placid / complacent.

[daimbar]

Thanks all. I realise I probably am too placid. I am the family breadwinner (DP is at home with DD) we have a big mortgage, bills to pay and very little savings... I want to kick up a fuss but not be so antagonising he just gets rid of me.

Wondering if my best plan is to wait until I get offered another job (fingers crossed) so I am in a stronger position then raise all the issues as a grievance?

In my emails to HR I have asked for advice on how to stay in the role and how to move forward in a positive way.

[MichaelSheensNextDW]

Can you get witness statements from a couple of colleagues?

[daimbar]

There is a woman I work closely with who I initially line managed but boss changed the reporting line so he manages her.

She has noticed his strange / hostile behaviour towards me and has asked me if something is going on.

Don't know whether to involve her or not. She is a lovely person and seems to respect me and my work and often comes to me for advice about how to complete her projects.

She has only been in the role 3 months and still in probation herself so it's unlikely she would want to make a witness statement against her boss and it's a bit unfair to ask her.