Posted on 06/27/2006 by vanilla ginger
Viewed: 649 times
Very briefly, our ops manager who we referred to as "little hitler" was escorted out of the building this morning.
This represents the end of a 6 1/2 month ordeal for me and my team that involved bold-faced bullying, lying, racial and other inappropriate remarks, intimidation of direct reports, backstabbing and fear created by one very insecure, arrogant manager. My direct experience with her was a day-to-day fight to stem the fraud she was trying to commit against the company (I work in Mortgage QA/QC/Risk). I did not report to her (thankfully) but had enough people in my office who did to fill two seperate three page reports to HR about this woman's litany of abuses. My last report was submitted June 1st, and we had our response today when HR asked everyone to clear the department and allow her to be escorted out by the head of security.
I wanted to share this with everyone because there's an awful lot of talk here about bully managers, and not much about how upper management can step up and show they value their employees. This took time to resolve but everyone on our team committed to stay together (our secret mantra was "if you quit, she wins") and support each other when one of us was the target of this hateful woman's wrath.
the cynic(06/28/2006)
Glad to see a case where the bully lost out!!
Dharmadee(06/29/2006)
I am SO happy to hear about this. I visualised it happening with my Bimbo Manager...it was wonderful.
vanilla ginger(06/29/2006)
FOLLOW-UP: apparently there was not one single reason for her termination. My reports documented the "hostile environment" in the department, but there was also evidence from the branches that she was aiding and abetting material misrep to fund loans. I understand the reason we were all asked to clear the department was that during her exit interview she blew up at the HR person and her boss, spewing profanity. After getting her calmed down enough to finish, the boss offered a final handshake as a professional gesture, she refused saying, "Yeah, I don't know if I'd rather shake your hand or kick you in the balls right now. How's that for closure? B!tch Crazy.
HaveADamnNiceDay(06/29/2006)
Wow, VanillaGinger! That's heavy duty! Glad you guys finally have a chance at a peaceful, cooperative work environment! I'm struggling with a co-worker right now who's like your 'Little Hitler', but fortunately, she isn't our boss (Thank you merciful GOD!). She fights and snarks with everyone in the office, and hampers our work greatly. Nobody can stand her.... I'm glad there is hope for a change! Let us know who they end up replacing her with!
Dharmadee(06/30/2006)
i keep hoping that the Bimbo Manager will have a meltdown too. That would be awesome, and would solve so many problems. Just consider what happened with this (w)itch as karma.
The Marketer(06/30/2006)
I must say your story is inspiring, especially since I only joined the corporate world a little over 6 months ago. I'm about to go see "The Devil Wears Prada" not only for the amusement, but for the mere fact that the story is synonomous to my career- literally. Tell me: how did you deal with a "bully" boss all that time? And do you have any coping mechanisms?
vanilla ginger(07/03/2006)
To reiterate, I didn't report to her directly, but she treated me and everyone else in the department as if they DID. Her favorite request was I work weekends (I never did) or be "on call" after hours (I asked if she could sign the req for my overtime and cel phone bill - she never brought it up again) I dealt with her like you deal with any cranky 6-year-old. Ignore temper tantrums, delay gratification when appropriate (e.g. don't jump right away to answer screaming e-mail, limit phone contact, stay in control of your information streams and NEVER engage with her during a high-voltage emotional moment = DRAMA) DO NOT under any circumstances reward bad behavior or give her the satisfaction of knowing she effects you in any way. Smile, smile, smile in her presence, then document, document, document as soon as you're back at your desk. Make sure to learn how stroke the bully's ego if you REALLY need something - this proved most effective when she was feeling down or defeated and was one the jones for the Narcissistic Supply every bully needs to live. Hope this helps - maybe other Jobschmobbers have more tips? Let's hear 'em!
HaveADamnNiceDay(07/03/2006)
Actually, VG, I think you hit it on the head. I think that's great advice on how to handle a bully boss/coworker who acts like a delinquent 6-year old. However, I do have a question: When you document, isn't it important to have witnesses? Some employers aren't necessarily going to just take your word on stuff....are they?
vanilla ginger(07/06/2006)
Yes, in some cases it is imperative that you have witnesses. My team members were subjected to public humiliation, so the witness were more than happy to come forward. My personal dealings with her were also documented, and apparently verified without the need for witnesses. This woman was arrogant enough to openly confirm that she hasseled people, apparently because she felt her motives were above reprimand. Means justifying the end and all that.
The Marketer(07/09/2006)
VG- Thank you for the advice. Since I last wrote, the dynamics of the situation have changed a bit. My manager's annual review came up and I get the feeling it rests on the "needs approvement" side, hence the "we're so greatful to have you here" letter I received. This comes after the reapportionment of my workload to a new employee-with no prior discussion. My "witness" is the new employee who stated she does not have enough to do.I am trying not to let her become my nemesis but some of that workload includes things I will be evaluated on at the end of the year. I have documented this as I have others since the very beginning.
just me (06/27/2006)
Whoa! Thanks for sharing that. I have hope today!! I bet you are glad you stuck around long enough. This story would be a good read for Twiz since it seems kind of similar to what he's going through.
just me (06/27/2006)
p.s. I like the moniker
vanilla ginger (06/27/2006)
Thanks - it's simpler than StoliVanillaGingerAle. ;)
WalkingInMyOwnShoes (06/27/2006)
One down; a few hundred thousand more to go. Thanks for letting us know! Almost restors my faith in upper management. Keep us posted as to how the decision was made that let to her being escorted out.
vanilla ginger (06/28/2006)
I'll be sure to update as soon as I know. :)
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