Reply to: My hostile planner

[escapeUK]

b, the way he's been running risks and issues is totally wrong

Sounds like a public sector non job to me.

[Old Greg]

Some very good advice from you all - thanks.

My new risk manager has been briefed on our hissy-fit planner's behavior - I thought it might be prudent to mention that the planner (who had been looking after risks and issues BADLY) might get a bit upset when he's told that

a, he's having a slice of his ever-so-important empire snatched from under his nose so won't be managing risks anymore,

b, the way he's been running risks and issues is totally wrong

c, the manager (me) has already explained what the correct definition of a risk is, so why did he not stop and listen

I have also arranged for weekly team meetings starting next Monday. We will all be asked to provide updates on what we've all done over the past week, and whether we are experiencing concerns over x,y,z and what we are planning on doing for the forthcoming week.

The idea behind this is partially do give everyone an idea of what this 'planner' really does, and whether they are 'value for money'.

If he does loose it again (which is fairly likely) I'll have a group of witnesses

You could always have a quiet word in an office out of sight but within hearing. When he shouts say that he pushed you. Make noises about calling the police in for an assault charge and watch them fire him.

[PinkPoshRat]

Some very good advice from you all - thanks.

My new risk manager has been briefed on our hissy-fit planner's behavior - I thought it might be prudent to mention that the planner (who had been looking after risks and issues BADLY) might get a bit upset when he's told that

a, he's having a slice of his ever-so-important empire snatched from under his nose so won't be managing risks anymore,

b, the way he's been running risks and issues is totally wrong

c, the manager (me) has already explained what the correct definition of a risk is, so why did he not stop and listen

I have also arranged for weekly team meetings starting next Monday. We will all be asked to provide updates on what we've all done over the past week, and whether we are experiencing concerns over x,y,z and what we are planning on doing for the forthcoming week.

The idea behind this is partially do give everyone an idea of what this 'planner' really does, and whether they are 'value for money'.

If he does loose it again (which is fairly likely) I'll have a group of witnesses

[thunderlizard]

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

From what she's said so far, she might be able to ask him face to face

[SupremeSpod]

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

[Bunk]

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

[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.

[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]

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.

[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

[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.

[MaryPoppins]

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

<shudder>

[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]

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.

[lukemg]

I would use extreme sarcasm to destroy him while being as nice as pie and smiling, he is trying to intimidate, I would never give him the satisfaction.
'I do apologise, I thought this was part of your job, if you are struggling with the existing workload why don't we look at planning your day in 2-hour blocks to keep track of progress...'
I expect you will have meetings with seniors about the project, I would raise this as an aside, don't make a huge deal of it.
Just say - look, you should know Nigel is proving a threat to this project completing. Don't make it personal, it's all about the project.
Hiring manager is usually a good place to start with a quiet word as they hired you so feel some responsibility if you struggle.
These nobbers are always well known in a company, never get anywhere (builds their frustration as they become surrounded by people much younger) and are always first out when the cuts happen (he is a good advert for contractors though !).
Work on the rest of the team, make sure the others know how grateful you are etc
It is still likely to get ugly though so might be worth looking elsewhere.