I was just reprimanded on my 5th day on the job!

[tudorjason]

LOL!

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

Practice on your amnesia skills.

Yes, sometimes you have to play dumb. And there were other "mishaps" you could have recovered from or prevented:

The number one thing I will say is that my mother has told me when you're first hired, you're there to learn. Giving advice means you think you know it all. But even if you do, yes, as Stratford said, practice having amnesia.

Also, you didn't follow procedure. If you knew you had to receive preauthorization, you should have gotten it. If you didn't, you should see your trainer or supervisor about this.

And another crucial detail is not to allow external customers believe even one person in your company is unknowledgeable, especially someone who is training you. If this situation arises again, just say that your trainer wanted you to show initiative and that you can practice what you have been taught.

I think your supervisor is right to think you failed to be a team-player. But, the important thing is that you want to improve.

BTW, I myself hate BSing. It is mostly a waste of time, but it can be considered networking. If you form bonds with co-workers, it can be beneficial to you in the future. So spending a little time BSing wouldn't hurt, but because you're new, be careful with how much time you spend BSing.

Good luck for the future.

[Ellis Bell]

Originally Posted by reprimanded

Somehow I managed to hop right from one job to another in this job market. Needless to say it is very important that I retain this employment. On my fifth day on the job, I was called in on a Saturday morning to talk to the boss. All of my access with the office was cut off and I thought I was in for it for sure. I managed to pull off a second chance pending another review of some issues that is making my hiring manager nervous about his decision.

I have thought long and hard about why I received the reprimand and what I can do to work to cooperate differently. I am just very nervous about what my future holds and if I have hit the point of no return in my coworkers and employers eyes.

Can I please get some advice as to some additional adjustments I can make to become a better member of a team and also some opinions as to what is going to be my fate by receiving a Saturday morning reprimand during my first week on the job? All I know is it is not good, but I am fishing for reassurances and thinking long and hard about what I can do to improve.

Thanks!

Power plays are uses of power designed to more publicly exert power over another. They most often occur when someone is threatened by turf issues, general or specific insecurity, corporate reorganizations (merger, acquisition, down-sizing). A power play may occur when someone wants to expand their empire and doesn't know healthy ways to gain power.
Some people know only how to operate through the use of power politics and are totally confused by someone who won't play their game. If you find yourself in this environment and are the type who won't (or can't) play, you may be in the wrong company.
Or, you may want to learn how to play the corporate politics game. The choice is yours.



October 1997 -- Power and Corporate Politics



Don't ask me how it was I came across it, just know I had a really good reason to search.

[gea12345]

"When I was in the military we told our soldiers that their basic responsibility was to be at the right place, in the right uniform 15 mins prior to the right time....easy stuff. Keep it basic. Do your job with minimal mistakes, keep your opinions to yourself, and keep on trucking."

I am not a big war or soldier fan, but I must say that I love Hulpwr's quote! Great...