My hostile planner

**b0redom** · 3 August 2010, 15:11

Invoice.

**The Agents View** · 3 August 2010, 15:26

Originally posted by PinkPoshRat View Post

Afternoon all

I'm currently running a small team of PMO bods in a 'consortium' working environment. The only permie team member is causing me a bit of a problem and he works for a different company to me.

My planner point blank refuses to do anything that I ask them to do, they even tell me that I'm not their manager! They cause a huge scene in the office and will square up to me with their face 6 inces away from mine - I guess he's trying the intimidation / I'll punch your face in technique on me.

I have no idea how to control this person, and I'll be damned if I give in to intimidation. So then, bearing in mind I am female and quite likely the one who would loose the fight, what should I do?

My solution to this, would be to win the hearts and minds of everyone else, and hope that this person follows suit.

It's difficult to know without more understanding of your client, but if you're not his manager, then have a word with the person he thinks is his manager, and explain what the situation is. If they fail to co-operate, then the report goes up the chain to the Directors of the company, or the contract owner with that company.

Finally, NOBODY, and I mean even the MOST evil of contractors, and the permie who turned down a job offer this afternoon through me, should be exposed to threats and aggression like that - personally, if I saw someone acting in that manner in my office, I'd be wrestling them to the ground.

**PinkPoshRat** · 3 August 2010, 15:35

It's quite upsetting for me being the new contractor / PMO manager.

I have tried doing the correct and professional thing, by asking him to step out from the office and go with me into a room where he can talk to me 'out of view' from everyone - but that's the time when he will physically square up. When he's back in the office he just shouts verbals at me.

The permie really does have an anger management issue - he shakes with rage when he's standing in my face

and I do think that it's only a matter of time before he really does loose it and lumps me one.

**b0redom** · 3 August 2010, 15:40

If it really is that bad, you need to escalate it ASAP.

**rsingh** · 3 August 2010, 15:42

Originally posted by PinkPoshRat View Post

It's quite upsetting for me being the new contractor / PMO manager.

I have tried doing the correct and professional thing, by asking him to step out from the office and go with me into a room where he can talk to me 'out of view' from everyone - but that's the time when he will physically square up. When he's back in the office he just shouts verbals at me.

The permie really does have an anger management issue - he shakes with rage when he's standing in my face

and I do think that it's only a matter of time before he really does loose it and lumps me one.

Next time you have to have a word, make sure it's in a room with a discrete security camera. Then you will have evidence of their bullying behaviour.

**PinkPoshRat** · 3 August 2010, 15:43

Yeah but then I look like pathetic... I'm pretty much stuffed. I just hope that someone will intervene on my behalf next time he kicks off - which he will.

**b0redom** · 3 August 2010, 15:48

No, proper escalation is part of the business process. If you're line managing someone who refuses to be line managed he needs to be set straight, or possibly given a written warning.

**northernladuk** · 3 August 2010, 15:48

Originally posted by PinkPoshRat View Post

It's quite upsetting for me being the new contractor / PMO manager.

I have tried doing the correct and professional thing, by asking him to step out from the office and go with me into a room where he can talk to me 'out of view' from everyone - but that's the time when he will physically square up. When he's back in the office he just shouts verbals at me.

The permie really does have an anger management issue - he shakes with rage when he's standing in my face

and I do think that it's only a matter of time before he really does loose it and lumps me one.

No one should put up with someone shaking in rage in front of you. no one!! Their HR will know this as well as it is them that will have to deal with a case if you raise it against him and company so despite you not being a permie HR will be on your side. If you have exhausted all the methods below (just off the top of my head) I would seriously start thinknig about a quiet word in HR's ear. Maybe get a rep down there to see it in person or just discuss it. I have seen this type of thing at a client side (not me thank god) and it is totally unacceptable.

Have a word with your client manager. Is he aware of this? There is nothing wrong with telling him. You are not grassing, it is a risk to the project.
Have a word with his manager. That is as long as his manager isn't clearly behind him. Again his manager is responsible for this individual so despite the fact your a contractor it is on his shoulders if this goes any further
Winning hearts and minds is a good plan. Do others see this and do they feel it is out of order as well, maybe they can raise it through premie systems so it hasn't come from from you.
Start logging exact times, events and gather evidence. At the end of the day if you can't fix it you are going to have to fight it and all this documentation and evidence will be required. I don't know about contractors but permies inyour situations can win some pretty heft payouts for this kind of treatment.

The question is what is your tolerance limit. It is possible whatever you do won't paint a good picture and if you cause waves could end in termination of contract and get somone new in. This is where detailed evidence is a must. Pay particular detail around anything to do with the fact you are female. If he utters the words 'cause you are a bloody woman' you are quids in... but you need evidence and witnesses. Have a look in to the rules around recording conversations or say to him calmly in the middle of the rant 'I am now going to turn a voice recorder on' as you have given him due warning you can record (I am guessing this bit. might have legal implications).

There is always the idea of baiting him in to really stepping over the line. How much longer before he grabs you or pushes you. Really not the best idea for your saftey but you are in a no lose situation if he does.

Fingers crossed posh. Horrible situation to be in.

**northernladuk** · 3 August 2010, 15:54

Originally posted by rsingh View Post

Next time you have to have a word, make sure it's in a room with a discrete security camera. Then you will have evidence of their bullying behaviour.

I am pretty sure covert recording is inadmissable and bordering on illegal. It could quite easily breach client rules getting you instantly dismissed hence my comments about voicing the fact you are going to turn voice recording on or something.

My hostile planner