My hostile planner

[MaryPoppins]

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?

I'm in the same role as you, and have faced resistance before. Nothing as extreme as what you appear to be facing, mind.

In order to deal with this, I would:

First deal with the resource one on one, in private and get from them what their issues are. If they are valid issues, I will resolve them in whatever way possible.

If still no cooperation on a day to day basis, I would begin logging the individual instances, and approach my senior, stating that I am unable to meet my objectives because of x,y and z.

I would ask for written confirmation that problem resource is under my management for the duration of my contract.

If this is obtained, I would come down on problem resource like a tonne of bricks at the first sign of any such problem behaviour, and make it very clear it won't be tolerated. I would notify HR of each and every instance for it to be dealt with accordingly.

In order to get the work you require, done - do it yourself. Show programme management that you won't let deliverables suffer as a result of team issues, and in turn, show problem resource that he's not indispensable.

As a contractor in a position where you are bought in to manage existing permanent employees, you're always going to be open to hostility. You need to have a clear plan of your approach throughout the contract, or step back down to less senior roles if you don't think you can do this.

Good luck. Planning is my usual bread and butter, and I am aware that most other "planners" see their role as some kind of magical PMO specialism that renders them untouchable.

[SupremeSpod]

Use the proper management procedures and escalate. Raise a formal complaint and start the relevant ball rolling.

Failing that stay at home and make cupcakes for the rest of your life.

[MaryPoppins]

Failing that stay at home and make cupcakes for the rest of your life.

<shudder>

[d000hg]

As for derogative comments, well verbal abuse I can tolerate - I give as good as I get, but the physical... different game.

You could try and get him to push/hit you, then fall to the ground holding your face like a professional football player in full of everyone.

[Spacecadet]

You could try and get him to push/hit you, then fall to the ground holding your face like a professional football player in full of everyone.

Don't forget to press charges... client co. might offer to make it worth your while to drop the charges

[MaryPoppins]

You could try and get him to push/hit you, then fall to the ground holding your face like a professional football player in full of everyone.

Food for thought certainly. Perhaps she could add in a bit of a body judder too, to simulate a fit? I would. Bit of a death thrash, like.

[SueEllen]

I doubt he would hit or push PinkPoshRat in front of witnesses as cowardly men rarely do.

So the best bet would be make sure any one-to-one sessions are in an open plan office or where reception/security can hear and if there is a door leave it ajar, so someone can hear the scream. After all women are allowed to scream when being attacked.

BTW my sister worked with a bloke who threaten a few of the women in the office physically but never hit or pushed them. Instead he hit a mild-mannered bloke who was his inferior in the office in a one-to-one meeting with no witnesses. As everyone knew the attitude and temperament of those involved the perpetrator was sacked immediately.

[MaryPoppins]

BTW my sister worked with a bloke who threaten a few of the women in the office physically but never hit or pushed them. Instead he hit a mild-mannered bloke who was his inferior in the office in a one-to-one meeting with no witnesses. As everyone knew the attitude and temperament of those involved the perpetrator was sacked immediately.

I must be v lucky, I've never experienced anything like that.

[Bunk]

It's times like this you need to ask yourself, "What would MarillionFan do?"

[SupremeSpod]

It's times like this where I think "Is she making this sh!t up?"...