Reply to: Bullying advice ....

[Gonzo]

You're not in York are you? There was a right nob jockey contractor on my last project there who was VERY back-stabby for seamingly no reason.

It became apparent after a while that he wanted certain people out, so he could bring his best mate in, and make sure his own job was secure.

This is far from unique and I have head of it happening to other contractors.

Unfortunately I don't have any nuggets of wisdom that can provide the answer to how the OP can turn the situation around so that they can get the renewal that they seem to want. As contractors it doesn't seem to be possible to completely avoid the "politics" unless you are content to wave client "goodbye".

[robbie274]

I've had a word with our spiritual leader, Tom Cruise, and he says it's cool...

Alleluia, praise the lord.... oops

[SallyAnne]

Hi all

I am new to these boards but I have been contracting for many years and I have found myself in a very peculiar situation.

Anybody who knows me would tell you I am very easy to get along with and I am always professional and courteous when it comes to dealing with work and work colleagues. However, recently I have found myself in a situation where my boss (another contractor) is all 'nice-as-pie' to my face but when my back is turned he is questioning my professionalism and commitment to my work when speaking to other people. I know this because they tell me and it's not just one person who he has spoken to it's several.

They all think it's quite funny.

When they have pushed him for examples, he is reluctant to provide any but recently he has stated that my timekeeping is not good and he has had complaints about me. My project manager (permie, sits opposite me every day) knows this is not true and has even asked him for proof to prove these allegations but my boss just says that he doesn't have anything to hand and/or he cant be specific for any dates and times.

It's all very strange but the problem is that my boss (a contractor like me) has the power to renew or terminate my contract next month and my PM (permie who likes my work, is happy with what I am doing for him and wants to keep me on) cant do anything if my boss wants to fire me.

My question to you all is what can I do about it? Is this bullying? Where do I stand legally as I believe my boss wants to terminate my contract so he can employ one of his friends.

Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

You're not in York are you? There was a right nob jockey contractor on my last project there who was VERY back-stabby for seamingly no reason.

It became apparent after a while that he wanted certain people out, so he could bring his best mate in, and make sure his own job was secure.

My advice - the permie boss is probably hopeless - you can never rely on them. He/she wont want to get their hands dirty and will probably just sit back and watch it all.

Start looking for another gig now, and let everyone know if was because of him that you are leaving.

Good luck.

[ratewhore]

Well what about "Michael row your boat ashore.."

I've had a word with our spiritual leader, Tom Cruise, and he says it's cool...

[oracleslave]

I'm afraid that song doesn't fit with my scientological beliefs...

This message is hidden because ratewhore is on your ignore list

[robbie274]

I'm afraid that song doesn't fit with my scientological beliefs...

Well what about "Michael row your boat ashore.."

[ratewhore]

All this talk of bullying and ignoring. Can't we all just hold and hands and sing kumbaya together

I'm afraid that song doesn't fit with my scientological beliefs...

[oracleslave]

Blimey, I agree with expat.

But he'll never know - because I am on his ignore list...

No, I took you off it. I saw what people quoted from you and decided, well,

All this talk of bullying and ignoring. Can't we all just hold and hands and sing kumbaya together

[ratewhore]

No, I took you off it. I saw what people quoted from you and decided, well,

bugger

[expat]

Blimey, I agree with expat.

But he'll never know - because I am on his ignore list...

No, I took you off it. I saw what people quoted from you and decided, well,

[slickcontractor]

Its called Office politics - Sounds like a personality clash - your mistake and fault - learn from it and keep your gob shut on the next gig.
Also, the backstabbing you've done in the office has probably got back to him. He probably thinks you're a right kn*b to be manipulated this way and that you need to be kept in check.

You really are an idiot if you think what you've talked about in private, hasn't been used for someone else's gain i.e. got back to your boss. "you know what he's saying mate?"

In the end, your boss has probably decided that the only way to manage you - is to belittle and sideline you because you're spouting bile in the office against him.

The others are looking on in glee because they think that you two going at it, will benefit them as you both fight to the death. (well yours really and the boss suffers damage!)

If you don't like it, put up with it, smile and SHUT UP. It will blow over in a few weeks - Alternatively, leave.

Pointless to think you can do anything about it which will reflect good on you.

Kn*bhead - I wouldn't want to employ you either

Seriously how old are you? ignorance isn't the word quiet frankly and unless your were replying to the wrong message because i am sure she was not backstabbing him unless of course i read the wrong message....

@ captainCrunch: Ivor Bigun prob got something stuck up his @ss or he lost his dummy somewhere so don't pay him any mind. my mate had a similar spell at client co and in the end had his contract terminated due to personality clash. The good side is they sent him packing with a 4 week pay. Not bad as he immediately got a new contract. Helps if you got a skill that is demanding so pimp up your cv and move on...

[ratewhore]

Er, a bit harsh. And ignorant. And more.

Blimey, I agree with expat.

But he'll never know - because I am on his ignore list...

[Ivor Bigun]

Is than an apology?

Nope - I mean the best for the OP.
Still wouldn't employ him though. Poor judgement...

Why?

His boss or fellow workers are probably reading this site. Right now they are having a field day with this one poster idiot.
....If he ever was real....

[Zippy]

[
The advice I gave is good IMO.
That is - shut up and stop blabbing to the people in the office.

That's not bad advice - but you said a lot more than that.

[robbie274]

[I]
The advice I gave is good IMO.
That is - shut up and stop blabbing to the people in the office.
A bit strong I agree - but sometimes the only way to get clotheared people to understand.

Is that an apology?