Colleague talking sh*t behind my back

[Davey McG]

Hi,

 

I'm having a problem at a place where I contract a couple of days a week and would like advice on how best to proceed.

 

Essentially, they're going to be letting people go soon and though I've been told I'm in a safe position, one member of staff (a man near retirement age) has been very vocal about the IT systems (that I set up) not working in our new office. He's the only complainer and I suspect his issues lie in the fact that the systems are different from the ones they've been using for the last few years. I've attempted training but he wont be happy with the system unless its set up exactly like the old place. Of course, the budget did not permit this.

 

Now its got to the point where he has started vocally complaining that the system is **** and that I'm a waste of space. I already confronted him in front of the whole office, saying, "if you can think of a better way to do it within my limited budget, I will be happy to hear it. Do you have any suggestions?"

 

That got him to back down and even apologise and now the campaign is going on behind my back. Some colleages in the office have told me (who are pretty happy with the way things are run) what has been going on. He's been complaining to management and saying that he's had to give me a telling off (amongst other bullsh*t stories).

 

I think he's trying to make himself look more valuable for when the cuts come. I really want to call him out on it, but think I'll end up looking bad myself. Also, I don't like that he's been going to Management about his issues rather than to me. There is something cowardly about it.

 

Should I call him out about it to his face. Should I do nothing and let nature take its course?

 

Your thoughts please

[Trojan John]

Best thing to do is to sit back and let nature take it's course. He's doing nothing but drawing negative attention to himself. Nobody likes a complainer. Responding to him (publicly) will only make you look bad.

[Tayla]

Step back a moment and see it from a third person perspective. This gives you the chance to be non bias to either party. Then ask yourself, How willing are you to use your opposing hand the very next day? Ya see I had to learn that new programs or ways of thinking are transistioning for some folks. ANd really now, no one I know is gong ho about technology changes unless it can be seen as a easier task. Not one that makes a person 'adjust yet again' to keeping up with the programs. I come from the class of employees that if it aint broke dont fix it and so too with technology. Sometimes its fine just the way it is. The lastest and greatest isnt always necessary progress.

 

I do agree from a professional stand point that you both voiced yourselves and that can sometimes clear things up. this feller obviously doesn't feel that he is being herd so going to management is his right. Where he is wrong is badmouthing the employee and not the system in place.

[carhill]

Well, generally, high-timers are a big financial drain and often not exactly the best motivated of employees. Unless there's some real benefit to the company behind all his rants and rumor-mongering, I will predict his retirement will come sooner than later

 

Continue to provide the services in your contract and make sure your superiors are aware of your performance. Rumor man doesn't exist