Articles

What's He Doing in There and Asked To Spy
by Dr. Lynne Curry

Question:
I just started a great job and love my new boss. Something came up yesterday that I hesitate to take to her because I'm afraid I'm overreacting and I don't want to get in trouble with one of my co-workers who seems to have a lot of power around here.

Yesterday all the rest of us were out of the office on appointments or errands. I got done early, came back unexpectedly and saw this co-worker in my boss's office on her computer. I've also seen him leaving her office early in the morning when my husband drops me off early because we've decided to share one vehicle on our morning commute. I don't trust this man and know from the hints he and others drop that he doesn't like my boss.

So I want to tell her what I've seen but what if I'm making a big deal out of nothing and put my job at risk by alienating this man?

Answer:
Let your boss know what you've seen and give her the chance to say either "thanks, tell me more" or "he's allowed in my office and at my computer." If the way she questions you indicates she feels concerned about this man's actions, ask her if she can hold in confidence that you let her know what you saw.

If this approach seems too high risk, try a more general method. Ask your boss to give you her expectations for times when she travels outside the office. Does she want you to limit access to her office and files in any way? Ask her who has the right to access her computer or to remove things from her office. If she asks you why you ask these questions, you can let her know what you saw, however, remember your suspicions may have no basis in fact.

Question:
Yesterday my boss asked me to keep an eye on my co-worker. I like my co-worker but know exactly what my boss is talking about. On days the boss is traveling, this coworker comes in late and takes extra long lunches.

My boss wants me to document what's going on. I've never done anything like this before and don't feel comfortable keeping tabs on my co-worker. Can I get in trouble for writing notes if it winds up they're used to fire her? Is there any way around this?

Answer:
Except in rare instances, supervisors shouldn't ask employees to document each other. However, since your boss asked you to help him out, you run no risk as long as you keep your documentation factual - other than the risk of your co-worker viewing you as a spy should she discover your notes.

If you and your boss want a way around your monitoring your coworker, he simply needs to call in when he's traveling and ask to speak to your co-worker. If you say, "she's not in yet" or "she's not back from lunch yet," he can ask for details and write his own documentation.

Question:
I just quit my job. For years, my supervisor has driven me crazy and I haven't told him. One day, it got too much and I handed in my resignation and said I'd worked for twenty years in the same field and wanted a chance to try something new. We parted on amicable terms and I asked him for a letter of recommendation but haven't received one.

Last week, when I called asking for my letter of recommendation, he said he hadn't yet gotten around to it but he wanted to schedule an exit interview, and if I didn't have a new job yet, could I come in on Friday. What do I tell him?

Answer:
Ask him if he'll be able to have your letter done by Friday. If he says yes, schedule the interview. If he says he won't have time to complete the letter, ask if you can schedule the interview and your pick up of the recommendation on the same day.

When you come in for the exit interview, read your letter first. If you like it, thank your supervisor, and answer his questions in a honest yet positive manner. For example, if you worked for a micro-manager, let him know that you think the next employee might appreciate the chance to make independent decisions more often. You want to give him helpful information, yet avoid burning a bridge.

If you feel you can't be simultaneously honest and positive, switch to plan B. Ask your boss if he can mail you your recommendation letter so you can move forward on your job search. Add that you hope to devote full-time to making your career change and ask if you can arrange for the exit interview when your job future feels more certain. Under no circumstances do you want to "exit interview" prior to receiving that letter.