On Tuesday I forgot to complete an important piece of paperwork, this was discovered on Wednesday morning and by the time I came in on Thursday, a disciplinary hearing had been arranged.
Technically, failure to complete this particular piece of paperwork could be construed as gross misconduct as it constitutes a serious breach of health and safety procedure. In short, I might get fired.
It had not been a good week, and so my mind was locked in a pessimistic position when I first heard the news. I constructed a scenario in my head whereby they were looking for an excuse to get rid of me as they had too many managers and another is soon due to come back from her maternity leave.
Or for any readers across the pond.
I think I'll be ok though. I'm going into the hearing next week with my four point "getting out of trouble" game plan.
1. Be professional
To show that I am taking the matter seriously, I'll try to control my natural urge to lighten the mood with ill-timed jokes.
2. Appear a little frightened
They love to see you squirm a bit, give the people what they want is what I say. Pander to their egos.
3. Listen attentively.
I'm going to listen the same way I would to a policeman who's just pulled me over for a minor traffic offence. I already know what they're going to say, but will try to act like their words are coming as a revelation.
4. Demonstrate plan of action.
I'll detail to them the measures I intend to take so that I never forget again.
I should be ok, the word on the street is it'll just be a warning. Historically people have been given a warning for the same offence. Fingers are still crossed though, I've never been fired from a job before, and certainly don't want to start now.
11 comments:
Your 4-point plan is a good one but it never hurts to have a backup.
This is just a suggestion: get some friends to stage a heist and kidnapping of your superiors and then "rescue" them. Grateful people never fire you. Something my grandad used to say.
lol, the 4-point plan is out the window.
I'm going with Mark's heist.
The superior in question might have to be ruffed up a bit by his kidnappers, just to make it look authentic you understand.
Uh oh. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Although I do like Mark's suggestion. If you go through with it, you'll have good fodder for an action-adventure script.
You could actually become rich out of the whole situation!
I hope that all goes well. We all make mistakes and I hope they realize this.
Re #3.. I wouldn't act like it's a revelation.. I'd listen intently and then let them know you have been thinking over the exact same things all week long (self-punishment sucks too) and you realize just how serious the matter is.. and yada.. yada.. yada.. pandering to their egos suck too.. but when it keeps your job... ;)
No fun.. Hope all works out ok in the end.
Sounds like you have an excellent strategy. I'd make sure that perfect pair of trousers you mentioned the other day are clean and haven't pulled their disappearing act again. :)
Please keep us updated on what happens.
How did it go?
The hearing is some time this week.
A day hasn't been set yet, when it is, they have to give me 24 hours notice.
I think Judi is onto something!
Never been fired. WOW! It's not the worst thing in the world if it happens.
Your story makes me think about the lack of allowance to make mistakes. The corporate world sucks! Good luck.
Cheers lauren, the hearing is at eleven this morning.
If I'm not blogging by three this afternoon this is a good sign, it means I'm not fired and they let me work my shift
Wish you the best of luck. My Japanese management here sacks the best people for missing only one deadline. I hope yours are more sympathetic.
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