More work advice

[Anglewannabe]

Here is the situation.

I have 2 clients that will be transferring to someone to another group that is handled by ‘Sue’. Sue has requested that I don’t terminate them in my ID in the software so that she can simply hit a button and transfer them to her ID. Fair enough. Here is the complication. When clients transfer, by law I need to prepare certain documents. (Chances are, the clients will never look at them but nonetheless I need to do it). The only way for me to process the documents is to terminate the employees. Sue knows this and has specifically asked me not to process the papers since she does not want to spend 2-3 hours manually entering the employees in the software.

I show her on the government website where it specifically states that I need to process the papers. She email me and saying ‘I called the government, they said don’t worry about it’

She has thrown every excuse in the book at me. She has said 'They will never use the papers (which she is probably right) so we won’t get caught. She told me the software company said not to process the papers. She has even said ‘It has never been done like that before (I have no use for that statement)’. The old girl ‘Betty’ (who lives 1000 miles away) never did that.

I called the software company and they told me it is possible to transfer the employees even if I terminate them. They even said that if I don’t terminate them, it could cause problems in the future under my ID and strongly recommended I terminate them.

Betty is the woman who always gives me a hard time for doing things differently than she did. My manager Jim has told me 'For 2015, do what Betty says and in 2016, it is a fresh start and you can do it differently". Jim also does NOT deal with conflict at all. He avoids it at all costs.

What I would like to do is offer to have a conference call with Sue and the software company where they can explain how I can terminate them and she can easily transfer them and everyone gets what they want. However, knowing Sue, she is adverse to learning and will not go for that option. Also, in the past when I asked her questions to make my numbers balance, she has told me ‘I went to Jim and he said not to be so detailed’. I REALLY have to wonder how true that is because ANYTIME Betty tells him something about me, he ALWAYS comes over to get to the bottom of why I am asking.

The issue is running really deep for me because as much as I am new, a very bad precedent is being set where people are using intimidation tactics to get me to back down from doing things I am suppose to do not only as a professional but by law.

I need suggestions on how I could word this to Sue and Jim so it can be a win win situation

Angie

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Here is the situation.

I have 2 clients that will be transferring to someone to another group that is handled by ‘Sue’. Sue has requested that I don’t terminate them in my ID in the software so that she can simply hit a button and transfer them to her ID. Fair enough. Here is the complication. When clients transfer, by law I need to prepare certain documents. (Chances are, the clients will never look at them but nonetheless I need to do it). The only way for me to process the documents is to terminate the employees. Sue knows this and has specifically asked me not to process the papers since she does not want to spend 2-3 hours manually entering the employees in the software.

I show her on the government website where it specifically states that I need to process the papers. She email me and saying ‘I called the government, they said don’t worry about it’

She has thrown every excuse in the book at me. She has said 'They will never use the papers (which she is probably right) so we won’t get caught. She told me the software company said not to process the papers. She has even said ‘It has never been done like that before (I have no use for that statement)’. The old girl ‘Betty’ (who lives 1000 miles away) never did that.

I called the software company and they told me it is possible to transfer the employees even if I terminate them. They even said that if I don’t terminate them, it could cause problems in the future under my ID and strongly recommended I terminate them.

Betty is the woman who always gives me a hard time for doing things differently than she did. My manager Jim has told me 'For 2015, do what Betty says and in 2016, it is a fresh start and you can do it differently". Jim also does NOT deal with conflict at all. He avoids it at all costs.

What I would like to do is offer to have a conference call with Sue and the software company where they can explain how I can terminate them and she can easily transfer them and everyone gets what they want. However, knowing Sue, she is adverse to learning and will not go for that option. Also, in the past when I asked her questions to make my numbers balance, she has told me ‘I went to Jim and he said not to be so detailed’. I REALLY have to wonder how true that is because ANYTIME Betty tells him something about me, he ALWAYS comes over to get to the bottom of why I am asking.

The issue is running really deep for me because as much as I am new, a very bad precedent is being set where people are using intimidation tactics to get me to back down from doing things I am suppose to do not only as a professional but by law.

I need suggestions on how I could word this to Sue and Jim so it can be a win win situation

Angie

You should do your job in the way you think is right.
And you should do your job in line with company and government policies.

How is this a question?

 

[1ke]

Do it your way. You need not give an explanation to someone who is not your supervisor.

 

[Catholic1954]

Here is the situation.

I have 2 clients that will be transferring to someone to another group that is handled by ‘Sue’. Sue has requested that I don’t terminate them in my ID in the software so that she can simply hit a button and transfer them to her ID. Fair enough. Here is the complication. When clients transfer, by law I need to prepare certain documents. (Chances are, the clients will never look at them but nonetheless I need to do it). The only way for me to process the documents is to terminate the employees. Sue knows this and has specifically asked me not to process the papers since she does not want to spend 2-3 hours manually entering the employees in the software.

I show her on the government website where it specifically states that I need to process the papers. She email me and saying ‘I called the government, they said don’t worry about it’

She has thrown every excuse in the book at me. She has said 'They will never use the papers (which she is probably right) so we won’t get caught. She told me the software company said not to process the papers. She has even said ‘It has never been done like that before (I have no use for that statement)’. The old girl ‘Betty’ (who lives 1000 miles away) never did that.

I called the software company and they told me it is possible to transfer the employees even if I terminate them. They even said that if I don’t terminate them, it could cause problems in the future under my ID and strongly recommended I terminate them.

Betty is the woman who always gives me a hard time for doing things differently than she did. My manager Jim has told me 'For 2015, do what Betty says and in 2016, it is a fresh start and you can do it differently". Jim also does NOT deal with conflict at all. He avoids it at all costs.

What I would like to do is offer to have a conference call with Sue and the software company where they can explain how I can terminate them and she can easily transfer them and everyone gets what they want. However, knowing Sue, she is adverse to learning and will not go for that option. Also, in the past when I asked her questions to make my numbers balance, she has told me ‘I went to Jim and he said not to be so detailed’. I REALLY have to wonder how true that is because ANYTIME Betty tells him something about me, he ALWAYS comes over to get to the bottom of why I am asking.

The issue is running really deep for me because as much as I am new, a very bad precedent is being set where people are using intimidation tactics to get me to back down from doing things I am suppose to do not only as a professional but by law.

I need suggestions on how I could word this to Sue and Jim so it can be a win win situation

Angie

Too bad for Sue. You do not have to compromise your job or risk breaking the law by not terminating these clients so she can save a couple of hours of work. Propose your conference call idea and if she turns it down, it’s her loss.

 

[WJeffrey]

Hillary Clinton probably wishes that she handled her email according to protocol. If you end up in trouble, I really doubt Sue is going to fix your problem or punishment. Like Hillary and Huma, Sue will probably show no remorse when you get fired

 

[St_Francis]

You cannot have a win-win solution with a person who is determined to have her way. either she or you has to lose. Go to your supervisor and explain that altho in the past things were done one way, you have discovered that now the requirement is to do it your way, so that is what you are going to do.

If Jim is on your side, then tell Sue to ask her supervisor to discuss it with your supervisor. Dealing with conflict like this is part of being a supervisor.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

My opinion is that you should do your job properly and according to protocol. The paperwork should be done, so prepare the paperwork. If that is too much for ‘Sue’ to process and it is going to take her a couple of hours, oh well. That’s the way it goes.

Otherwise, you could be on the hook for not doing your job properly and according to law. As long as you do everything above board, you have nothing to worry about. Don’t let ‘Sue’ and anyone else intimidate you into doing something you are not comfortable with. That is their issue to deal with.

 

[UbiCaritas]

My opinion is that you should do your job properly and according to protocol. The paperwork should be done, so prepare the paperwork. If that is too much for ‘Sue’ to process and it is going to take her a couple of hours, oh well. That’s the way it goes.

Otherwise, you could be on the hook for not doing your job properly and according to law. As long as you do everything above board, you have nothing to worry about. Don’t let ‘Sue’ and anyone else intimidate you into doing something you are not comfortable with. That is their issue to deal with.

Exactly.

Worst-case scenario, are they going to fire you or write you up for following legal regulations? If so, you’ll have a lovely case for a lawsuit on your hands. Just document everything, and if Sue complains, say, “Sorry, but that’s the law. I’m sure it’s very annoying to have to do this again, and I wish the system is different, but that’s the way it is.”

 

[Anglewannabe]

You should do your job in the way you think is right.
And you should do your job in line with company and government policies.

How is this a question?

The question is ‘How do I do this with Dale Carnegie skills?’

 

[Anglewannabe]

**If **Jim is on your side, then tell Sue to ask her supervisor to discuss it with your supervisor. Dealing with conflict like this is part of being a supervisor.

I highlighted the ‘if’ because it is a BIG ‘if’. Jim has very little understanding of what we do. Sue and I both report to him and I think it is because we need to report to someone and poor Jim is it. No one in the company knows the details of our job like we should. And I say ‘should’ because I am still new and Sue doesn’t seem to care

Jim is the same person who to keep Betty happy told me ‘Don’t give the client the money we owe him and we will deal with it later if there are legal consequences’. Honestly, I don’t think he shares my concern for accuracy

 

[mommy_k]

I am assuming you are speaking of wanting to “win friends and influence people” like Dale Carnegie? In this situation I honestly believe you can’t because this woman has made it clear what she want’s and it is not up for negotiation.

You might need to accept the fact that “Sue” is going to be upset with you. She is not there to like you, to be your friend, to appreciate you or to get along with you she is a co-worker and as long as she is polite and does her job accordingly and is decent that is sufficient.

Good grief sometimes when people have worked places for 10-20 years they are more comfortable cutting corners, but new people not so much which makes sense. As far as the conference call I wouldn’t bother. I read your post twice and it seems like you would almost be over-explaining things to Sue at that point. You have talked to her already, showed her the government website, and exchanged emails with her where she told you that the government didn’t care I would stop trying to convince her. Don’t walk up to her but email her and copy your supervisor, be concise and INFORM (don’t ask) her that you have decided you are new and uncomfortable cutting corners and doing what you were told violates the law so you will be terminating the employees on (INSERT DAY/TIME) thank you very much have a great day. If she is interested in saving work she can call the software company herself, or she can spend three hours and grumble, either way let it go.

Angie your conference call with the software company is unnecessary because you have all you need already. You are a beloved child of God and a person with dignity, it bothers you a great deal that this person is pressuring you but you CAN stand up to them, you don’t have to be rude, simply firm. All you have to do is say “I am sorry this will make more work for you than you are used to but I am not comfortable breaking the law so I will be doing it this way.” and walk away. Believe it or not in the end Sue will have more respect for you because those are the kinds of people that all of us look up to!

 

[WJeffrey]

I am assuming you are speaking of wanting to “win friends and influence people” like Dale Carnegie? In this situation I honestly believe you can’t because this woman has made it clear what she want’s and it is not up for negotiation.

You might need to accept the fact that “Sue” is going to be upset with you. She is not there to like you, to be your friend, to appreciate you or to get along with you she is a co-worker and as long as she is polite and does her job accordingly and is decent that is sufficient.

Good grief sometimes when people have worked places for 10-20 years they are more comfortable cutting corners, but new people not so much which makes sense. As far as the conference call I wouldn’t bother. I read your post twice and it seems like you would almost be over-explaining things to Sue at that point. You have talked to her already, showed her the government website, and exchanged emails with her where she told you that the government didn’t care I would stop trying to convince her. Don’t walk up to her but email her and copy your supervisor, be concise and INFORM (don’t ask) her that you have decided you are new and uncomfortable cutting corners and doing what you were told violates the law so you will be terminating the employees on (INSERT DAY/TIME) thank you very much have a great day. If she is interested in saving work she can call the software company herself, or she can spend three hours and grumble, either way let it go.

Angie your conference call with the software company is unnecessary because you have all you need already. You are a beloved child of God and a person with dignity, it bothers you a great deal that this person is pressuring you but you CAN stand up to them, you don’t have to be rude, simply firm. All you have to do is say “I am sorry this will make more work for you than you are used to but I am not comfortable breaking the law so I will be doing it this way.” and walk away. Believe it or not in the end Sue will have more respect for you because those are the kinds of people that all of us look up to!

 

[St_Francis]

I highlighted the ‘if’ because it is a BIG ‘if’. Jim has very little understanding of what we do. Sue and I both report to him and I think it is because we need to report to someone and poor Jim is it. No one in the company knows the details of our job like we should. And I say ‘should’ because I am still new and Sue doesn’t seem to care

Jim is the same person who to keep Betty happy told me ‘Don’t give the client the money we owe him and we will deal with it later if there are legal consequences’. Honestly, I don’t think he shares my concern for accuracy

Sorry, I didn’t realize Sue reports to Jim also. Anyway, I think Monicad gave good advice, but I’d like to add that it sounds like Jim will side with the squeakiest wheel. It seems like both Sue and Jim understand that you want to comply with the law, so it may be that you will need to be uncomfortable in sticking to your guns, as Sue seems to have no trouble making others uncomfortable to get her way.

 

[Anglewannabe]

Sorry, I didn’t realize Sue reports to Jim also…

Not your fault, I never told you that before

Anyway, I think Monicad gave good advice,…

Yes, I agree, I have a habit of talking thing to the ground and that doesn’t help either

but I’d like to add that it sounds like Jim will side with the squeakiest wheel. It seems like both Sue and Jim understand that you want to comply with the law, so it may be that you will need to be uncomfortable in sticking to your guns, as Sue seems to have no trouble making others uncomfortable to get her way.

Yeah, I guess I can’t always expect people to like what I do

Angie

 

[St_Francis]

Not your fault, I never told you that before

Yes, I agree, I have a habit of talking thing to the ground and that doesn’t help either

Yeah, I guess I can’t always expect people to like what I do

Angie

I recall that you went through a lot before you got this job, and I hope this problem is resolved quickly and easily.

 

[Anglewannabe]

I recall that you went through a lot before you got this job, and I hope this problem is resolved quickly and easily.

Yes, that is the concern. I have been through so much, I am petrified of loosing my job. There is nothing to base that on, but the second the slightest amount of conflict arises, I become paranoid

 

[St_Francis]

Yes, that is the concern. I have been through so much, I am petrified of loosing my job. There is nothing to base that on, but the second the slightest amount of conflict arises, I become paranoid

When I get nervous or worried, I try to remember to pray. I am not good at this yet, but it helps a lot! Worrying actually accomplishes nothing, but praying brings in God