Hard time at work. HELP!!!!

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dinahcat

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Ok... I love my job. I really do. But I'm having a problem. I was supposed to end my 90 day probationary period on June 7th. My boss has extended that to July 7th. She is worried that although I show alot of potential, I might not be perfect for the business. Seems she is worried about my input errors (which seems to me that everyone is making them). She says that she has had a couple of complaints about my attitude. That I seem to come off a bit on the defensive. The thing about this is... she couldnt give me specifics. So, I've been trying to wrack my brain to figure out what I might have said or done to make anyone feel that way. I try to be polite to everyone I talk to, and always ask how people are doing. I am a very friendly person, by nature. My immediate co-workers dont understand why anyone would complain, and are just as stumped as I am about this.

Another thing... my boss has had me move to a desk near her so she can be of more help to me. Which is good I suppose. I guess it's good that she is giving me another chance. But I am SO worried. Every day, it seems as if a new error that I have made surfaces. I am desperately trying to be conciensious of my work. But it seems that no matter what, I am making errors. I know I am not the only one, but I am the only one who's job is on the line.

What do I do? How do I fix it??? I want this job more than anything. I would be devastated if I lost it. I would feel incompetant and a complete failure. This job is everything to me.
 
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yosemite

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Gosh that's a tough spot to be in. My only suggestion would be to take a little more time and check details. Personally I've had this happen when I tried to do things too quickly and didn't check it carefully enough and missed very obvious errors. I think it is better to work a little more slowly but accurately.

Hope this helps.
 
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diane8704

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Originally Posted by DinahCat

Ok... I love my job. I really do. But I'm having a problem. I was supposed to end my 90 day probationary period on June 7th. My boss has extended that to July 7th. She is worried that although I show alot of potential, I might not be perfect for the business. Seems she is worried about my input errors (which seems to me that everyone is making them). She says that she has had a couple of complaints about my attitude. That I seem to come off a bit on the defensive. The thing about this is... she couldnt give me specifics. So, I've been trying to wrack my brain to figure out what I might have said or done to make anyone feel that way. I try to be polite to everyone I talk to, and always ask how people are doing. I am a very friendly person, by nature. My immediate co-workers dont understand why anyone would complain, and are just as stumped as I am about this.

Another thing... my boss has had me move to a desk near her so she can be of more help to me. Which is good I suppose. I guess it's good that she is giving me another chance. But I am SO worried. Every day, it seems as if a new error that I have made surfaces. I am desperately trying to be conciensious of my work. But it seems that no matter what, I am making errors. I know I am not the only one, but I am the only one who's job is on the line.

What do I do? How do I fix it??? I want this job more than anything. I would be devastated if I lost it. I would feel incompetant and a complete failure. This job is everything to me.
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Is there someone there that feels threatened by you and the job you do? Sometimes people say things out of spite or jealousy. And the boss never gets the true story. I would be concerned that she couldnt give specifics. Not names of people that complained but specifics like..."Well, I was told you snapped at a co-worker who needed help"...or "you were short and not very helpful" Things like that. She should pin point the problems that you need to work on. The thing that you should realize is...do you want to continue to work for a company that may not see your potential because a few people may feel threatened by you? I would find it difficult to work under those conditions. Maybe other people made mistakes and blamed it on you. I would have wanted to know specifics that I need to work on. All I can tell you to do is either apologize at a meeting or let it go and do better. Also, realize that everyone makes mistakes, and if this job doesnt work, you are not incompetent or a complete failure.
 
talon

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I'd ask her to give more "on the spot" feedback. If she hears you or hears of you being "rude" to someone - have her tell you as soon as she hears or is made aware of the situation. Ask for specifics. It the old "if you don't know it is broke - you can't fix it"

Good luck!
 
consumerkitty

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Since your boss is singling you out for mistakes that everyone else makes, since she moved your desk close to hers to "keep a better watch on you", and since she won't give you specifics about what you are supposedly doing wrong, I am inclined to believe that it is not your coworkers but your boss that is jealous or threatened by you. I would insist that she give specifics and tell her that you can't make improvements if you don't know what is wrong. Your boss is putting you in an unfair catch 22 situation.

Remember, like Diane said, even if you lose the job you are not incompetent and you are not a failure.
 
carolcat

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Don't have anything to add to the good advice you have already received except to send good wishes and hugs. Hope that this works out for you, but if it doesn't you are not incompetent or a failure! You will find another job if this one doesn't work out. Hugs.
 
maverick_kitten

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it sounds a bit suspect to me too. a good boss would give you feedback and be anxious for you to improve, not move your desk and tell you comments have been made but not elaborate.

keep a diary if you even think she is bullying you or treating you unfairly and jot every detail down.

if you lose this job it is through no fault of your own. you tried your best and thats all you can do. please dont let it bring you down.
 
rosehawke

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Originally Posted by DinahCat

<snip>...What do I do? How do I fix it??? I want this job more than anything. I would be devastated if I lost it. I would feel incompetant and a complete failure. This job is everything to me.
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Not being there, I can't tell you what might be going on, so I can't help you there, but this I can ... listen to Auntie Cindy who has been a data entry clerk with close to 12,000 kph and 99% accuracy for almost as long as we've had PCs
...

Two words ... SLOW DOWN!!! at this point don't worry about speed in your job (whatever it might be,) just concentrate on your accuracy, the speed will come later. Odds are you're going a lot faster than you think you are anyway! Even keying for the USPS with basically one hand for a while (close encounter with the pruning shears) I was able to key close to 9,000kph and felt like I was going slower than molasses.

Do a quick scan of your inputs before hitting that send/return/submit; whatever key. One more error caught is one less error going through.

Oh, and I find that a hugely apologetic tone and humble attitude when confronted with your errors ("Oh, I am so sorry ... did I do that? Oh, geez! Let me fix it! Is there anything else you need?") is a lot better than trying to defend them
.

And don't stress over your error rate. We're human. We make mistakes. Nothing is 100% , 100% of the time.
 
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brianlojeck

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and DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.

make hand-written notes regarding every conversation your boss and you have. What was discussed, what did you ask, how did she answer, etc...

hand-written notes are admissable as evidence if you should decide to bring them up on charges for wrongful termination. for some reason typed/computer notes are not (or not judged as strongly)
 
caprice

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First of all, let me give you some reassurance. As long as you do your best, nothing is going to happen. A very similar situation happened to me back in January of 2003. I was put on probabtion because of my "attitude". I learned within time that I had this attitude because of the people around me. (They are very negative people). So, I changed my attitude and I am now nothing but nice to them. Just once it can ruin your reputation. Try and talk to your boss about how you can improve your work ethics, I am sure your boss just wants you to get better since he/she has already moved you closer to their desk and has talked to you about improving. Take a deep breathe and you'll be fine.
 
ugaimes

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Originally Posted by Talon

I'd ask her to give more "on the spot" feedback. If she hears you or hears of you being "rude" to someone - have her tell you as soon as she hears or is made aware of the situation. Ask for specifics. It the old "if you don't know it is broke - you can't fix it"

Good luck!
Click to expand...
From what I've read in public administration books, that is definitely what I'd recommend too. Good advice Tracey
 
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dinahcat

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My boss and I have decided to meet every wednesday to discuss the previous week. We met just about an hour ago, and it went well. She and I both think that with me sitting near her it is helping. It has been helping me alot. I really do like my boss. She seems like she wants me to suceed, and has commented that she sees that I am really trying hard, which is great to hear. She also has said that she never once heard me with any kind of attitude and everything that she has heard has been second-hand, but that she has gotten the complaint from customers, and people both in and outside of our department.
Also... when I mentioned to her an instance of when the misunderstanding might have occured, she seemed very interested, and said that she would talk to the person I was concerned about.

I am really making a huge effort to slow down, and pay attention. I think things are moving in the right direction. Your vibes, hugs, and borrowed kitty-snuggles are also VERY encouraged and appreciated.
 
tari

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I'm glad things are going better for you. It sounds like your boss is very supportive (but possibly under some pressure from somewhere else herself). I'm sure it will all work out in the end. Sending a few more hugs
and some more kitty snuggles from Forest and Tailer...
(sorry...Harvey's hiding behind the furnace and unavailable for snuggles right now).
 
coolcat

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Originally Posted by DinahCat

I am really making a huge effort to slow down, and pay attention. I think things are moving in the right direction. Your vibes, hugs, and borrowed kitty-snuggles are also VERY encouraged and appreciated.
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You count with this Dinah!
sending (((((Good vibe))))) and courage too!!!
...

Good luck
 
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beckiboo

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Originally Posted by DinahCat

My boss and I have decided to meet every wednesday to discuss the previous week. We met just about an hour ago, and it went well. She and I both think that with me sitting near her it is helping. It has been helping me alot. I really do like my boss. She seems like she wants me to suceed, and has commented that she sees that I am really trying hard, which is great to hear. She also has said that she never once heard me with any kind of attitude and everything that she has heard has been second-hand, but that she has gotten the complaint from customers, and people both in and outside of our department.
Also... when I mentioned to her an instance of when the misunderstanding might have occured, she seemed very interested, and said that she would talk to the person I was concerned about.

I am really making a huge effort to slow down, and pay attention. I think things are moving in the right direction. Your vibes, hugs, and borrowed kitty-snuggles are also VERY encouraged and appreciated.
Click to expand...
Wow, sounds like it is improving already. I think she appreciates your work, and moved you closer to her so she can see how you are doing. And like she is available to help you improve where needed. Be sure to let her know that your job means a lot to you, and you plan to work hard to keep it!

Good Job
Good Job
 
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