Sep 28, 2012

Intolerable Behavior in the Work Place

In a fit of uncontrolled anger, a man lost his job today.  Why was he angry?  I don't know.  He was probably  stressed to the hilt, with debts piling up and family problems rising like flood.  All these things may have been too much for his already fogged up mind and the slightest provocation sends his temper soaring sky-high.

Except that, I didn't provoke this person.  I merely performed my duties as his supervisor with all the considerations I could possibly accord him.  But as I try to discuss things with him, he flared up as if it's my fault that I caught him sleeping while on duty and I had no right to chastise him.
He spoke with that tone and arrogance that even I wouldn't do to my superiors even if I'm extremely pissed off.  Which is why, I just find it fantastic that this guy had the nerve to do that to me.  Who wouldn't flare up with such disrespect?

He declared he would resign.  I didn't bother to talk him out of it.  In fact, I readily accepted it, not giving him a chance to retract or think things over.   In my mind, I thought it would be good riddance as he was giving me problems in the past few months in terms of attitude.  His resignation is a big favor for both of us.

I am just left wondering, how a man with a family to feed would so recklessly do such things, given that his wife doesn't have a job.  I think that is just plainly irresponsible.  Oh the things we do when we are furious.  It is really madness.

What have I learned from this so far?  This is actually just a validation of what I have learned long ago and that is to be in control of my emotions, specially anger.  So while I was myself seething with anger, I kept cool, at least on the outside, although I have probably turned beet red in the face.  I'd pat myself in the back for maintaining my composure and the presence of mind to secure things less he decides to do damage before finally stomping out.  I alerted security as well.  There's this attitude deeply ingrained in me, to protect my turf at all cost.  I saw him as a potential threat, but good thing he left without doing anything rash.

I'm a very considerate person.  But when someone crosses the line and continually stomps on that line, I need to exercise my power to enforce disciplinary actions.  But disciplinary actions are only for those that we choose to give a chance at still continuing with their employment.  This one already bailed out and I'm more than happy to let him go.

I hope he learns a valuable lesson here. Otherwise, it will be a never-ending cycle on his next jobs, if he is fortunate to find one again.

11 comments:

  1. I remember someone who told me that think first before being mad. That way, you'll help yourself from bursting in anger. A word of anger once said can never be erased. Even I am trying to control myself even at the peak of my anger of saying nasty things that I'll regret after.

    I would chose to say something nice. One good thing I have to say about your blog is I really appreciate it that's why I've included you as one of my nominees in the Liebster Blog Award.

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  2. Thanks Hanny! That makes 3 of you, so I'll modify the caption sa Liebster logo :-) I'll just visit your entry as well.

    It's true about anger...that is why it is a blessing that when I am extremely angry, usually, I don't speak...I walk away to let off steam first.

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  3. Sis,good thing he did not do anything to you,I mean physically. It's really hard to have a workmate who is irresponsible. I just hope all things will work out fine. Take care sis! Miss yah! <3

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    1. Sis, for the first few days, tuwing nasa labas na ko ng office, I am looking everywhere and specially behind me hehehe...You never know what people could do.

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    2. Oo sis,basta everytime lalabas ka,as much as possible dpat may kasama ka h, take care sis!

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  4. Hay, naku, some people are really that way...I am also having some probs with a nega officemate. she spreads really bad vibes sometimes I hate going to work. Haist (dito pa nag-rant haha).

    Aileen, how are you na?Don't feel guilty. That man deserved it and thumbs up to you for being so cool and collected.

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    1. Sis, am fine. As they say, business as usual. I'm not feeling guilty naman sis. I pity the guy's family. But it's his choice.

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    2. Hope he changes. We have the right to be angry, but that doesn't EVER give us the right to be rude or cruel.

      I also pity his family, not only because he lost his job but also because they might be experiencing stress and emotional abuse from his anger mgt issues

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  5. Imbecile, that's what he is. Reminds me of my work abroad. A lot more of that kind over where the 'grass is greener'. I'm a lil surprised to know that some of my kababayans that I always defend from others' scrutiny can actually be @#$. Pardon my French!
    I hope he realizes that he was wrong and shouldn't do the same for the sake of his own family.
    As for you Aileen, I hope everything's alright with you. So cheer up!

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    1. Sis, I didn't know you're fluent in French lol! It's sad that the very people you are trying to help are the ones who would one day bite off your hand. That's part of life and sometimes you got to deal with it the best way you can. Thanks sis! All is good. :-)

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  6. This reminded me of the time I was reviewing the work of my teammate. I've been working almost 10 years and I'm confident that I know how to communicate and address my team's shortcomings (I know this because I always get good feedback on this area of my PA), anyway, my teammate took it to heart. I know she just graduated but she needs to control her emotions at work. She didn't talk to me for 3 days (imagine that, I'm her boss for cryin' out loud).

    It's not only anger that we need to control, we also need to control ourselves when we get upset.

    After that, she talked to me and apologized saying she's not used to failing.

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