Comments on: Taking Over A Job Position While…?

By: Mel

Mel — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:14:17 +0000

This is a tough situation for both of you, and I appreciate the fact that you as the less senior employee are trying your best to deal with it. It’s unfortunate that the management didn’t think to move her to another role (or let her go) before you got there. It’s tough to be dumped by a company you love.
I’d suggest finding a quiet time to speak with her, maybe on a break, or even take her to lunch. Tell her that this situation is difficult for both of you, that you’re sorry she’ll be leaving, and that you appreciate her professionalism through the transition. (Even though she hasn’t been displaying any professionalism, this may make her think that she should.)
She will probably want to gripe, and you should do your best to let her without getting defensive – defensiveness will just add fuel to the conflict. You might gently direct her gripes where they really belong – at the management.
BTW, if they are removing her from her job for “health issues and stress”, they really should be offering her the option to take family leave for her health condition; otherwise they could run into a wrongful termination claim down the road.
Good luck, and hang in there – it will be a short-term problem in any case. You’ll know that you did everything you could to make it as easy as possible for her.

By: Brian G

Brian G — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:14:17 +0000

Let your boss know what she is doing. Let them know that by leaving her there to train you, you are afraid that she may actually be sabotaging you by teaching you wrong. Let your boss take it from there.

By: Barry auh2o

Barry auh2o — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:14:17 +0000

Continue to do just what you are doing.
It sonly a temporarysiuation. Learn well, learn quickly, the faster you prove you are ready to takeover, the sooner this night =mare will be over.
Good luck.

By: Chevy

Chevy — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:14:17 +0000

life goes on

By: doris_38

doris_38 — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:14:17 +0000

Just keep doing what you are doing, but taking adequate notes on things you know or think she is doing to undermine you. Be polite and work hard. She is taking out on you, what she does not have the courage to take out on management.

By: Silly Girl ;)

Silly Girl ;) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:14:17 +0000

Next time she says something politely reply, ” I can see why you are angry but I hope you understand that this is not my decision, it is managements. Please don’t take out your frustrations on me, thanks for listening.”

By: janel_60

janel_60 — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:14:17 +0000

I’m sure it isn’t easy, but you should continue to be the bigger person. Maybe you could try talking to her? I don’t know how much longer she is going to be there, but if it gets to be too much of a problem, you may need to report her to management, especially if her behavior could have a negative affect on the business.

By: Jin=geni

Jin=geni — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:14:17 +0000

Interesting question. If I would have been at your place. Just put the letter on her desk about Management decision and also put the statement that other person has been hired at her place, she can work if she want to provide services, but Management is not gona able to pay her cause they decided to give her rest.