Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: An employee threatened me tonight..

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Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 01-05-2005, 11:18 PM:

Well, Let me set this up.

I have 1 concession person and 1 box person tonight. My concession guy gets there areound 5:15pm. He clocks in and starts working. This guy is a constant complainer. His duties are exactly the same as the other girls that work alone on the slow nights. Make popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, corn dogs, sausage dogs, etc. I usually have the nachos and popcorn started by the time the concessionist gets there because I arrive early.

We require a walkthrough at the end of the night for concession to make sure everything suring cleanup gets done. This particular employee has burned me and my boss before by leaving before I do the walkthrough and making myself do his work. So, tonight I show him how to clean the grill and during, he continues complaining about his workload. We have the other girls do this exact work and the get paid roughly .75/hr less than he does.

I showed him how to clean the grill and as I was finishing it up, he checked on the popcorn machine and finished cleaning it. I reminded him to make sure the kernel catcher was wiped out since it usually isn't done until the walkthrough. I added that if he got more finished when it was slow, then he would have less to do at close. He replied that my "continuous reminding was getting annoying and that if I kept it up somebody woud pop me."

So, I worte this down and told my boss about it. My boss said that this guy has a big mouth and that writing it down would cover my ass if he did anything in the future since it was documented.

Is there anything else that I can do to alleviate this? I'm not sure if I did anything wrong, I just wanted to make sure things were done. He also complained when I said that things should get replemnished when the concession was slow, sausage dogs and nachos particulairly. I just wanted to tell you all about this.

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 01-05-2005, 11:24 PM:

How did you approach him Richard? I always operate under the addage "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar". Is it possible he was reacting to the manner in which you gave him the instructions?

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 01-05-2005, 11:28 PM:

See that's the thing, I don't recall how I exactly approached him. He said that the popper was clean, I then asked, did you wipe the kernel catcher out?

Posted by Don Anderson (Member # 397) on 01-05-2005, 11:38 PM:

Provide a laminated checklist with opening and closing procedures. The worker should have to check off every task on the list before punching out (hopefully not you). Give 'em the three strikes and your out line. Nothing worse than your State Inspector doing a walkthru and writing you up!

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 01-05-2005, 11:40 PM:

Myself and my boss do have a checklist in the works. Another problem is that he and a few other employees clock out before they are permitted to leave. We use an ancient punchcard system so there are loose timecards that they have access to.

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 01-06-2005, 12:09 AM:

I wouldn't regard that as a threat so much as a warning. Maybe he does have a point. *IF* your continuous reminding (nagging) *WAS* getting annoying and *IF* you kept it up *SOMEBODY* would pop you. Sounds logical to me. [Wink]

=TMP=

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 01-06-2005, 12:10 AM:

I can always count on you Thomas [Roll Eyes]

I'm thinking that a possibility is that without meaning to, I've been getting too close to the action. Like looking over their shoulder kind of without actually doing it. It it possible that without realizing it, that could have annoyed him.

Posted by Jeremy Fuentes (Member # 2135) on 01-06-2005, 05:52 AM:

Regardless if it annoyed him, its still his job.

Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 01-06-2005, 08:41 AM:

If any employee were to threaten any of my assistants (threaten, warn, whatever) ... I would terminate. I have no use for that complete lack of maturity in my theatres.

Posted by Pravin Ratnam (Member # 1417) on 01-06-2005, 09:44 AM:

Richard, you sure don't lead a boring life, heh. You seem to have encountered major conflict at your previous workplace too and I notice a trend. I wouldn't normally give advice, but since you put this out there, I am assuming you are looking for ideas.

Unless you are positive that you just have gotten unlucky again with being saddled with a problem employee, you would do well to examine the way you interact with your peers and see if something is getting lost in the translation.

Maybe you should ask a friend for an honest assessment of how you come across in public.

Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 01-06-2005, 10:41 AM:

Richard, it could be that you are coming across as a complete Dick.

You know, instead of a Richard.. a Dick...

YEAH!!!! [evil]

Dave

Posted by William T. Parr (Member # 677) on 01-06-2005, 12:48 PM:

quote: Jeremy Fuentes
Regardless if it annoyed him, its still his job.

Damn Skippy it is. if he has a problem doing his job, he needs to find employment elsewhere.

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 01-06-2005, 01:40 PM:

it depends on how you approach him; I would get annoyed as well if someone was constantly "reminding" me of my job. I guess it's different if he doesn't do it. If this guy has the "big mouth" your boss was telling you and they aren't doing anything, it's one of two things.

1. Your boss doesn't care or knows him personally
2. This guy has something on your boss

Seems like you keep getting yourself in pickles...be careful, you don't want anyone to pop you in the mowf

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 01-06-2005, 02:03 PM:

Regardless though, no matter how a manager's style annoys you, you shouldn't tell them that if they don't stop annoying you, the will get popped. I have had MANY HORRIBLE managers in my time and I would never have dreamt of saying anything about them to their face.

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 01-06-2005, 02:17 PM:

well, you are an asst. manager are you not? Tell your manager you feel threatened by it. Other than that, what can you do? Call the police. Call the Florida Dep't of Labor. Shit, Call OSHA if you want. Either get something done for you by that manager or see if the situation pans itself out.

Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 01-06-2005, 03:00 PM:

Make an example of this kid by firing him ...

Posted by James Falloon (Member # 1933) on 01-06-2005, 05:02 PM:

If he's threatening you like this, how's he treating the customers? [Eek!]

Sounds like he needs to find something else to do, he's obviously not enjoying working there.

Posted by Pravin Ratnam (Member # 1417) on 01-06-2005, 06:17 PM:

Richard, you are a big boy. Warn him not to threaten you again and that he should listen to you. If he is not contrite, punch him square in the nose and watch him cry like a bitch.

But here is the important thing. We want details of every little thing that happened during and after this. [evil]

Posted by John Hegel (Member # 628) on 01-06-2005, 07:01 PM:

Walking into a manager positions is difficult, but with a little charm and tact you can get the other employees to accept you.

Warning: Talking down to people may cause mutiny that may spread to other staff.

Sometimes getting people to work with you is as simple as working with them. Instead of barking at them to clean the counter, show that you care about the counter being clean by doing it yourself.

I'm not guaranteeing results, but it has worked for me.

Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 01-06-2005, 08:44 PM:

Richard,

If you want to do something about it, you better do it quickly. Don't wait to call the police/fire him/etc a week from today. At least write him up for talking back to you. But, like I said... dont wait a week to do it either

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 01-06-2005, 11:11 PM:

Richard,

I see a trend to, unless you're just that damn unlucky.

If *I* were *you* in *this* position, I'd have a talk with the employee in question, along with your boss. Id bring the situation to light and ask the employee just what it is he doesn't like about his working environment. If there are sound reasons why he "threatened" you, you and your boss need to know, now, not after you've gotten your ass beaten by some hardhead punk.

Now that the first part is out of the way, let him know that you first and foremost, you are both there for a common goal, to provide the customer with the best customer service you can so that everyone is happy. The customer, becuase they got a good show and good food, and the two of you becuase you are getting a paycheck and not having to shovel shit for a living. Then... explain to him that while you both work together, there will be a certain level of reciprocal respect given by both of you. Neither of you can do this alone and you both are expendible.

By the sounds of things, this kid has a chip on his shoulder and, most likely, needs to be re-trained or dismissed. Your boss shoudl eb able to offer guidance in this area. If he/she can't.. you're working for the wrong person...

Don't take shit from employees, but be reasonable in your reactions. Remember, always, and I mean ALWAYS treat your employees with the same respect that you want to be treated, otherwise, you'll turn into one of the misinformed corporate dicks in the 'chain theatre' world. God knows, we have enough of them already!

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 01-07-2005, 12:20 AM:

That actually is currently what is happening Jason, I'm going to talk with him tomorrow and address it. I know we can come to an agreement and a solution.

BTW the guy is 43, not a kid.

Posted by Justin West (Member # 920) on 01-07-2005, 01:41 AM:

Richard: I, too, think you are taking the right course by approacing the subject, pronto, in a meeting among the 3 of you (your boss included)...lay it on the table that you were upset by his comment, that you had to address it but, if you are doing something wrong in approach or tone of voice, you will work on toning it down, do less bird-dogging, whatever...but, in exchange, you expect him to approach you with mutual respect, without threats, and that he is expected to complete the tasks assigned (lest any changes are mutually agreed to, on a nightly basis) so on and so forth.

BTW, note what you explained:

quote: Richard Greco
continuous reminding was getting annoying and that if I kept it up somebody woud pop me.

OK, you say that he said that "SOMEBODY" would pop you...he did not say that HE would necessarily be the one who is doing the popping...right? My point is that maybe his comment came from general talk that may be echoed amongst him and his co-workers, and he was just the one to blurt it out to you in a heated moment? Maybe your approach or attitude is not mixing well with the troops? You are the "new kid on the block," right? How long have the others been there? You might need to have a chat with all of them (re-evaluate how you approach them all in your job). I'm not saying it IS YOUR fault, heck, it could be a 43-year old guy doesn't like taking directions from a guy many years his junior (if that is the case, that is just too d@mn bad). A successful manager recognizes it is the people working for him who can make him...

Posted by Jim Ziegler (Member # 86) on 01-07-2005, 01:59 AM:

Richard,

While I don't know about Florida, in other states which I am familiar with, if his comment made you feel physically threatened, then you can file criminal charges against him. My advice - fire the individual, ban him from the facility, and file a criminal complaint.

Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 01-07-2005, 09:34 AM:

Here we go AGAIN!! [Confused]

fjn
Local 294 Ret.

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 01-07-2005, 12:15 PM:

He's 43?!?! That changes everything...

I was in that situation a few times before, being assistant manager or booth manager and having to tell people much older than me what to do. We had one guy who *constantly* scratched prints but would never take responsibility for it and always blamed the younger staff. (He even told ME once that I was probably scratching them just to get him in trouble!)

So we had him work the weekend by himself. Sure enough, both new prints were scratched. This backed him into a corner and things finally started to smooth out after that.

Another factor would be that not only is he much older than you, but he's been at the theater much longer, too. He probably feels threatened that they hired a new manager instead of promoting him. A manager that's much younger. He just needs to realize the fact that he's not a "good enough" employee to BE promoted. If you cant TAKE directions, you certainly aren't in the capacity to GIVE them.

=TMP=

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 01-07-2005, 01:11 PM:

I also want to emphasize that he has only been employed there for about 3-4 weeks longer than me. We were thinking of slowly bringing him into the booth to assist if either myself or my boss were busy, but I think that is going to change.

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 01-07-2005, 01:20 PM:

Age doesn't matter. Threats of physical violence should not ever be tolerated. Here where I work, that kind of thing can get you fired immediately. In fact, a couple months ago we fired one of our shop guys for precisely this kind of thing. If the fellow had actually thrown a punch, he would have been fired and prosecuted for misdemeanor assault.

It doesn't matter how much of a dick a manager may be. Nothing justifies crossing the lines into physical violence. I don't care if it is just a casual threat. It is clear, disrespectful insubordination. That alone is enough to can someone. This guy's constant complaining by itself is a huge problem. It destroys company morale and screws up the work ethic of the crew. Perfect evidence of it is a number of employees clocking out early before they're allowed to leave. I personally know a couple theater managers who would immediately fire workers just for that stunt. Nevermind any crying, complaining or threats to pop someone.

Posted by Christopher Duvall (Member # 284) on 01-07-2005, 03:45 PM:

Bobby is right...the guy is insubordinate. In the work force in all states, that means terminate. In the military, that could mean the stockade. Fire him...stick a fork in him, he is done.

Posted by Stephen Jones (Member # 16) on 01-07-2005, 07:16 PM:

Perhaps what Pravin and Dave say is true Richard,But there also could be a personal problems that this guy may have,we all know that when you have problems and they are playing on our minds and some one comes along just doing their job as you were,there is nothing worse than somneone pick pick about you havent done this etc you can expect some bite back this is human nature weather its wrong or not.When you do sit down with this guy you may find out what his problem his and help him if you can by listening to him or may be he is a dick head.One word of advise Richard never talk down to people under you may be you are approaching people in the wrong manner.
Good luck
Steve [beer]

Posted by John T. Hendrickson, Jr (Member # 849) on 01-07-2005, 07:34 PM:

Been sitting on the sidelines reading all of this, and I'm finally moved to respond.

YOU are running a business!! This is not a "save the world enterprise", is it?

YOU say you are having trouble with an employee who has been with the company only three or four weeks longer than you?? And YOU are management and he is not??

Then, WTF is wrong with you, or your company, for that matter? Fire the SOB. And you were thinking about "bringing him into the booth to assist"?? GOOD GOD!! Do you seriously think that things are going to get better if you do this?

Got news for you: "IT DOESN"T GET BETTER"!!

Enough of this bullshit. Can you spell T E R M I N A T E ? If you can't, then YOU are the one who should move on.

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 01-07-2005, 08:15 PM:

quote: Bobby Henderson
Nothing justifies crossing the lines into physical violence. I don't care if it is just a casual threat. It is clear, disrespectful insubordination.

This is where you are very wrong, Bobby. As suggested in several other Richard Greco episodes, physical violence is the ONLY way to solve workplace problems. Whether it's an assistant projectionist problem or dealing with a stupid doorman. Really, it's the only way.

Joe said it best:

quote:
Richard, you might want to resort to physical violence. I have not found any problem that physical violence cannot quickly and efficeintly resolve. From crappy coworkers, sassy children, budget problems, papercuts, wrong show taped on your VCR/Tivo, stoplights not turning green fast enough, hay fever and not being able to find a parking space, physical violence is the right solution all of the time.

=TMP=

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 01-07-2005, 08:32 PM:

I've also been sitting here on the sidelines reading this. John is completely right, if he threatened you in any way, fire him. Your boss should agree with that.

Posted by Don Sneed (Member # 955) on 01-07-2005, 08:34 PM:

Hey Richard, if you are his boss, you are the boss, it is your job to see that the place is clean, & it is his job to do as told...case close...now maybe he was just talking shit, it wouldn't bother me, now if I told him to do something & it is half done or half ass done right, warn him again, I go by 3 strikes & your out, case closed !!.... then if the bitching still is going on, it's walking papers time, your the boss, you make the rules...now if you are not the boss....WELL That's a different story...

Posted by Pravin Ratnam (Member # 1417) on 01-07-2005, 10:44 PM:

By the way, despite my observation of the conflict trend in Greco's career, in no way do I think the other guy deserves a break. Based on Richard's supervisor's reaction, it is obvious this guy has been a problem in the past. Greco should not tolerate this guy. I am surprised he took it so calmly in the first place.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-07-2005, 10:54 PM:

I wouldn't even warn him. While age certainly knows NO boundries to be an asshole, he's an immature dumb fuck that is a danger to the general public patrons in your theatre as well as all the employees.

And to you whiners that feel that telling someone over and over to get it right is "wrong"... did ya ever think that perhaps this guy is a dumbass, lazy guy that NEEDS & DESERVES to be "Reminded" of his duties?

To be safe, I would do as many others have suggested and fire his sorry ass outright.

(Failing that and assuming he's smaller than you, I would take him outside and kick his ass. If he's bigger than me, I would have a few friends join me in his "enlightment"... Joe is right!) [Wink]

>>> Phil

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-07-2005, 11:28 PM:

Oh my. For once I think Phil made a comment about size that was referring to a person's height or general torso build! [Razz]

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 01-08-2005, 12:35 AM:

I seem to have a knack for tolerating a LOT more than I should. I did have a talk with him today. He apologized and I found out he is the kind of person that like being given a number of things that need to be done at the beginning of the night and checked up on later. That is very reasonable to me. I do realize that I need to adjust my management style for different people, so I think that I'm done on this. I do think, however that I'll open up a topic just for my gripes and problems.

I didn't have any today, so I'll open it when another one pops up [Big Grin]

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-08-2005, 12:57 AM:

Well Richard at the rate YOU seem to have problems with EVERYONE, I think Brad should open a Specific page just for you...

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 01-08-2005, 01:07 AM:

That guy is 43 and works behind the popcorn counter...? Hello?
If I were you, Richard, I would be seriously concerned. Statistically, your chances of him running amok at some point and shooting you and a lot of other people are very high.

Posted by Jim Ziegler (Member # 86) on 01-08-2005, 04:46 AM:

Michael is right. Workplace violence is a serious problem. If he should "snap", the fact that you did not act on warning signs can spell major legal liabilities should anyone get hurt. Not to mention that you have a moral obligation to do what you can to protect your staff from harm.

Posted by Pete Wolla (Member # 1581) on 01-08-2005, 08:28 AM:

at a recent yearly training session learned 3rd leading cause of work place deaths is murder

Posted by Adam Heath (Member # 2910) on 01-08-2005, 09:41 AM:

Yeah I would get rid of the piece of [bs]

immediately. Even without that statement he is being an insubordinate and obviously can't handle the job. I personally wouldn't even want to put up with someone who is complaining about too much work, unless it really is too much work. He must have worked for a union in the past.

If your theater is like any theater that I have ever worked at, there are plenty of applications lying around. As a manager I have too much to worry about already. IF someone ever threatened me like that I would dismiss them two seconds later. Sorry but threats of violence in the workplace doesn't deserve a second chance.

Posted by Christian Volpi (Member # 2370) on 01-08-2005, 02:30 PM:

I'm sorry, if one of my employees threatened me I woudn't talk about it on Film-Tech. However, I would discuss the ass-whoopin' that I gave him. (off the clock and off of theater property of course)

Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 01-08-2005, 05:51 PM:

Ok, now after my smart ass response the other day, I am ready to actually put in my two cents worth.

By the way, where does "two cents worth" come from anyway?

I have only had ONE employee dare threaten me. It went down like this..

I asked very politely for this employee to clean out an auditorium.

He responded "This job sucks. If I have to clean out one more auditorium I am going to kick someones ass!"

As he went to the auditorium, I went to the office, called the sheriff, and when he arrived, I filled out a police report and had him arrested for making a general threat to myself, my staff, and possibly my customers.

I don't ever EVER allow that kind of behavior in anyone, much less my staff.

Ciao mon

dave

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 01-10-2005, 12:10 AM:

My reaction would be to say, "You don't really mean that, or DO you?"

If the guy said, "No.", I'd leave well enough alone. (I just cowed him.) If the guy didn't back down or if he sounded insincere in his retraction I would walk straight out of the room and make two phone calls:

1) Call the boss, explain what just happened and tell him that I'm going to...

2) Call the cops.

As to how to handle the general situation of giving people isntructions without creating friction... The answer is that you can't always do it. Some people just don't know how to take orders.

I agree that a manager should strive to be diplomatic in giving orders as much as he can but there are times when one must say, "I [the boss] want you [the employee] to do this task." Maybe you could phrase it differently. "This job needs to get done. You are the best person to do it. Please see to it."

I don't need to go into excrutiating detail on how to be a diplomatic boss. Every situation is different. Use your intellect.

On the other hand, there is virtually NO time when an employee shouldn't be recognized for a job well done. It could vary from, "You did a good job. Thank you." all the way down to something like, "It's been a long day! Let's all go home and rest!"

What I'm getting at is that, maybe this guy feels like he's not getting recognized for his work. From your description, his "lack or recognition" is deserved. Still, I can virtually guarantee that he THINKS he's getting the shaft in some way.

You and your boss should discuss the situation and decide if he's worth the "investment" in time and energy to apply some tact and diplomacy when you deal with him. Maybe he'll come around. Then, again, maybe not.

If you decide he's not worth the trouble DUMP HIM RIGHT NOW! Don't wait! If you reverse your dicision to fire him, you might not EVER be able to fire him. He could come back at you and say, "You didn't mean it last time! How can I know you don't really mean it THIS time?!" Yes, he'd be acting like a weasel but, unfortunately, you have to look out for people like that these days!

Finally, if you have the LEAST little inkling of a idea that he may follow through with the threat, YOU should follow through with a call to the police... IMMEDIATELY!

That's what I did when I got THIS MESSAGE on my voice mail!

No, the kid wasn't stupid enough to call from his own phone but we found him anyway. He claims he was drunk and that it was a prank. He doesn't go to school here anymore.

I don't take shit like that lightly! After going to the Campus Police station, my first call was to my home. I told my wife to load up the shotgun. (She is well-versed in its operation and use.)

PS: Phil, I receltly traded in the Bushmaster for a "FAL", a Mini-14 and a Glock. My house is like a "Roach Motel"... They can come in but they won't come out!

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 01-10-2005, 12:56 AM:

That's a scary phone message. Good thing you saved it. Perfect thing to have handy as backup when you tell the police officers "I was in fear for my life" in justification for blasting a would-be assailant's guts out all over your front lawn.

Anyway, I would agree there's a certain kind of "style" to managing people in a manner that brings out more of the good than the bad. One of my best friends is a manager for Red Lobster and his crews love him. But he is no pushover. He will fire someone on the spot if he feels it is justified. I've seen him do it too. I guess the trick to his employees liking him is that he usually has a very positive attitude, jokes around a lot and also busts his ass getting work done. His crews never see him lounging around or anything like that (not that his job gives him any opportunity to do so anyway). He just has some kind of knack for positively motivating people.

I've read up a bit about "Total Quality Management." The first time I heard about this was when my father was going through Marine Corps officer's candidate school (he made Gunnery Sergeant before going LDO). This was something the Marine Corps picked up from parts of the corporate world to get things done more efficiently. Anyway the basic core to TQM is to manage employees in a positive and respectful manner, but do so in a manner that you get the same kind of positive attitude and respect in turn.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-10-2005, 02:45 AM:

..sounds like the guy doesn't like his job in the first place. He needs to find a new, or better one. He's wasting his time there and wasting your time with him. He's a liability to your theatre.

(Or, he does like the job, yet loves to whine to get attention that the world is not going his way and wants a shoulder to bitch and slobber on..which could be what's going on and he's fooling you with this just to get your sympathy...)

We get that some of the time as well-emplyees griping about the work, don't like to be told what to do..et.al.

Manager calls them in and tells them how the bull shits in the woods: either do the work, or go find something else. "For we DIDN't call you up to come work for us. You CAME to us, filled an application, and was hired for work and agreed on the operational policies when you were hired."

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-10-2005, 05:43 AM:

Randy, that mp3 does not play on my Winamp. Did you do something funky to the file? (I've yet to find something that wouldn't play.)

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 01-10-2005, 07:20 AM:

Mine plays in Quicktime. [Confused]

Phone messages are fun. I can't believe some people are SO STUPID as to leave threats on answering machine messages. HELLO! You are being RECORDED!! I always love it on The People's Court when someone is accused of a threat and they swear up and down that it never happened in a million years... and then they play an answering machine tape. [evil]

That kind of message would freak me out, too. But there IS a difference between "Somebody's going to pop you" and "I'm going to kill you." Of course, he could have said it in a less threatening manner like, "If you don't quit nagging people, somebody's going to have a problem with you." Then again, we're all being spoon-fed the details as this unfolds so maybe we'll never know the real situation. [Smile]

=TMP=

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 01-10-2005, 11:48 AM:

The message will play back in QuickTime. That was what I made it with. Just because you mentioned it, I checked it in WMP just now. It works OK for me.

Try this THIS ONE instead. (It's a .WAV instead of a .MP3)

[ 01-10-2005, 05:03 PM: Message edited by: Brad Miller ]

Posted by Dominic Espinosa (Member # 2122) on 01-11-2005, 03:08 PM:

As a general employee I've had my fair share of dissagreements, arguments, and threats from coworkers and managers.
Some of them were my fault, others were not. In most cases someone didn't like the fact that I wouldn't "cut them some slack" and break a policy or law for them.

A lot of the time, younger people run into issues with older ones not wanting to accept that this "kid" might be right.
Shortly before leaving Wallace I got into an argument with the GM about my replacement. I'd trained a perfectly good replacement but he insisted upon hiring a former UA employee who I'd recieved many a print from and visited his booth many times to find disasters and trashed film.
The same thing happens when you're suddenly in charge of someone who's been there before you or been in the industry longer, etc.

In the case of friction with a subordinate the most effective thing to do is just ask nicely. If that wont work then it's time to have a sit down, writeup, and termination in that order if the problem persists.
Unless of course your hands are tied and your boss won't let you do your job. I've been there. It's not fun.

Though I think too much is being made of this guys remark,
"someone will pop you".A lot of people from earlier generations talk like that. They're from the generation when it would still be okay to spank your kid. Sometimes the remark is completely benign.

Of course reminding is fine if it needs to be done. The projectionist who works under me disslikes the fact that I'm constantly on top of things. And the lazy ones always do. Good luck, Richard.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 01-11-2005, 03:55 PM:

There's a line that shouldn't be crossed.

Everybody says things to the effect of, "I'm going to kill you." but everybody KNOWS it's just a figure of speech. It's all a matter of context. Did somebody say that while playing a game of football? Or, did he say it at work when you just asked him to clean out the Fry-O-Lator?

Older folks often say things that wouldn't be said nowadays. Yes. But there's often an undertone to the statement, "Somebody's going to pop you one..." The unspoken ending to that sentence is usually, "...and that somebody is going to be ME!"

People are a lot more tolerant of others they know well. If there is somebody I know well enough they can virtually say, "F*ck You!", right to my face but I wouln't think anything of it. However, Richard doesn't know the other guy well enough (Only a few weeks.) and he's viewed as an "outsider" and a slacker by virtually everybody Richard knows.

I think this guy crossed the line. He didn't cross it by very much, in my opinion. That's why I said I would have cronfronted him right there. Basically, I would give him a chance to retract the statement.

When I got that message, I sat at my desk for several minutes thinking about whether the guy who made it was joking. My final decision was, "It doesn't matter.", because he went so FAR over the line.

This guy that works with Richard is on his way out. His behavior is going to get worse and worse until the boss is virtually forced to fire him. It's only a matter of time.

Posted by Jason M Miller (Member # 2597) on 01-11-2005, 09:28 PM:

If employees are clocking out early w/o your permission, tell them if they do it again they ought to leave and not come back

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 01-14-2005, 11:18 AM:

An update:

This past sunday he clocked in and my boss saw him at the marquee with his car like 15 mins later. He just drove away and never came back.

Posted by Justin West (Member # 920) on 01-14-2005, 11:35 AM:

Hmmm, problem solved? It would appear so...hope things go smoother for you, RG!

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 01-14-2005, 02:50 PM:

....not if he was going someplace to arrange for the "popping" [eyes]

Which reminds me, but it's too late now: When he said someone is going to "pop" you, you should have said right to his face, "You can't even pop a bag of popcorn right so what makes you think you're going to pop ANYTHING around here?!?!" [Smile]

=TMP=

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 01-14-2005, 07:25 PM:

As the famous poem goes:

Backward! Turn backward
O Time in thy flight.

I thought of a comeback
I needed last night!

[Big Grin]

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-14-2005, 08:32 PM:

But then again my friend,
I meant to offend.
If you think that is wrong,
Then don't go sing a song.
But a suggestion would be,
Go fuck yourself, you see?

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 01-14-2005, 10:51 PM:

[Big Grin]

Be careful what you say, now!

Somebody might POP you one!

[Big Grin]

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-16-2005, 09:58 AM:

Oh, well, next time you can just handle him like I handled someone at the drive-in who pushed me too far.

Just lift him off his feet with a kung-fu grip to the throat, while you "explain" things. If necessary, follow with a punch to the jaw to get his attention. You'll feel much better and teach a bully a lesson at the same time. Girls will dig you, too! Violence is the answer.

It's just like being a zener diode. Take a lot, more than most, up to a point - then avalanche. The look of surprise on their face when you rain down on them is priceless. [Razz]