Trouble with a new boss

Oct 25th, 2019 6:34 am

#1

jinglebell79 [OP]: Newbie; Jan 16, 2016; 93 posts; 13 upvotes; Thunder bay

Oct 25th, 2019 6:34 am

Hi all.

Recently our supervisor at work left, and we received a new one.

The new supervisor is really coming down on us hard, (at least I think so and you guys feel free to chime in on what you think) for more production.

A few examples - coming up to you and saying “I want to watch how you work” and literally just standing there to watch you for a few minutes. Another would be a worker hurting his thumb, staying home because of the injury and then the supervisor using a derogatory word to describe him the next day at the stand up meeting. Another is him coming
up behind us working and just standing there quit making notes in his notebook while observing us.

The whole shift is planning to go to hr tomorrow to complain, but none of us really knows if this is a type of harassment?

What do you guys think?

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Oct 25th, 2019 8:01 am

#2

nioero: Member; Mar 16, 2007; 321 posts; 146 upvotes; GTA

Oct 25th, 2019 8:01 am

A few examples - coming up to you and saying “I want to watch how you work” and literally just standing there to watch you for a few minutes. Do not see any problem. He is new and wants to see what you are doing and have a better understanding of the job.

Another would be a worker hurting his thumb, staying home because of the injury and then the supervisor using a derogatory word to describe him the next day at the stand up meeting. Not acceptable.

Another is him coming up behind us working and just standing there quit making notes in his notebook while observing us. See the first comment. Again, it seems that he needs to better communicate with you guys. I work in manufacturing and whenever I am doing any study on the floor, I always let people know what I am about to do.

+1

Oct 25th, 2019 8:48 am

#3

motomondo: Deal Addict; Mar 7, 2007; 4473 posts; 1937 upvotes

Oct 25th, 2019 8:48 am

Rule number 1 for ALL people in the workforce: Manners maketh man.

Calling names or using disparaging language is clear evidence of a poor manager. Is this his first job as a people manager? He should be disciplined.

He is free to watch / observe / micromanage but even then, he has to be polite about it. Otherwise he is just a creep looking over your shoulder.

Oct 25th, 2019 11:03 am

#4

jinglebell79 [OP]: Newbie; Jan 16, 2016; 93 posts; 13 upvotes; Thunder bay

Oct 25th, 2019 11:03 am

Hi guys.

Yes, this is his first job as a supervisor.

Oct 25th, 2019 11:35 am

#5

BananaHunter: Deal Fanatic; Sep 23, 2007; 5061 posts; 1159 upvotes

Oct 25th, 2019 11:35 am

Of the 3 things you described, the 1st and 3rd don't sound too bad. The 2nd one is not acceptable.

Obviously you guys feel uncomfortable. Maybe just have a frank discussing with the guy first instead of going straight to HR? I believe most issues should be attempted to be resolved directly between the parties first.

+2

Oct 25th, 2019 3:30 pm

#6

jinglebell79 [OP]: Newbie; Jan 16, 2016; 93 posts; 13 upvotes; Thunder bay

Oct 25th, 2019 3:30 pm

Am I to take it that this constant behaviour is ok?

Oct 25th, 2019 3:42 pm

#7

abc123yyz: Deal Addict; Apr 21, 2014; 2266 posts; 1018 upvotes; Alberta

Oct 25th, 2019 3:42 pm

What I do when starting a new role is if one of my staff prepares a report and I am supposed to review. I sit down with them when they are doing it so I can get an understanding of what info is pulled for the report etc. how am i supposed to review something I don’t understand ? However I set a meeting to do this. I just don’t stand over them to see how they are working. That’s a bit much.

Oct 25th, 2019 3:52 pm

#8

CNeufeld: Deal Guru; Mar 23, 2008; 12352 posts; 8787 upvotes; Edmonton

Oct 25th, 2019 3:52 pm

Being a d1ck or a creep or whatever isn't illegal. If it was, the jails would be even fuller, and the lineups at Tim Hortons would be much shorter.

If you don't like it, start looking for another job. If enough of you complain about him, you might be able to get him replaced (or get him to change his processes), but I'd be more concerned about looking out for myself.

C

Oct 25th, 2019 6:04 pm

#9

jinglebell79 [OP]: Newbie; Jan 16, 2016; 93 posts; 13 upvotes; Thunder bay

Oct 25th, 2019 6:04 pm

Seems 2 things are clear

He’s a prick and I need to move on. Thanks for the input everyone

Oct 25th, 2019 6:27 pm

#10

cgtlky: Deal Fanatic; Jan 31, 2006; 7245 posts; 1842 upvotes; Toronto

Oct 25th, 2019 6:27 pm

jinglebell79 wrote: ↑ Seems 2 things are clear

He’s a prick and I need to move on. Thanks for the input everyone

Ask all your co-worker to walk out at the same time, that way the HR or the higher authority will ask all of you why walk out? Then got your chance to explain the problem with the new supervisor.

Oct 26th, 2019 11:27 am

#11

cowbunpants: Deal Addict; Feb 16, 2013; 1561 posts; 1299 upvotes; Toronto

Oct 26th, 2019 11:27 am

Watching you work is normal in some industries.
In manufacturing, in particular, they would videotape people for the whole shift, then tell the person how to improve in their efficiency, motion and ergonomics.

Making notes in notebook is ok too.

Depends on the industry.

Ask for a safe space you can go to at break.

....

Oct 26th, 2019 9:41 pm

#12

jinglebell79 [OP]: Newbie; Jan 16, 2016; 93 posts; 13 upvotes; Thunder bay

Oct 26th, 2019 9:41 pm

Thanks everyone

Oct 27th, 2019 1:11 pm

#13

ls17031: Member; Jan 9, 2011; 335 posts; 155 upvotes; Montreal, QC

Oct 27th, 2019 1:11 pm

Specify what term(s) were felt to be derogatory. Different people have different perceptions.

+1

Oct 27th, 2019 8:46 pm

#14

doomhammer: Deal Addict; Aug 11, 2003; 1546 posts; 135 upvotes; C-53

Oct 27th, 2019 8:46 pm

He needs leadership coaching.

Sounds like.

Been in similar situations as the OP. I left the job after 6 months.

On the plus side - the new job was really good and a good decision looking back .. circa .. 2007.

Please thank me if you find this helpful