tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post7828400969643588747..comments2023-09-29T06:09:21.089-04:00Comments on Ask a Manager: would you fire this woman?Ask a Managerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05281942480230532899noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-91661154748293997122010-10-31T05:42:42.615-04:002010-10-31T05:42:42.615-04:00I've been reading through some old entries on ...I've been reading through some old entries on this blog and this is one of the most bizarre accounts of gross misconduct I've encountered.<br /><br />Our Lizzie is clearly a paranoid, jumped-up wackjob with no sense of humour, humility, proportion or professionalism whatsoever. Her email responses are totally disproportionate, particularly when the other (perfectly pleasant) correspondent has apologised profusely on multiple mails.<br /><br />This woman is paid with tax dollars and should maintain her decorum in the workplace, particularly as she is a front-line, public-facing employee. She is entirely lacking in credibility in this capacity, and her behaviour actively harms the integrity of the office she is working for. <br /><br />If she was my secretary, Betty would be hauled over the coals for this and given a firm verbal warning. Another incident where her conduct is anything less than impeccable and she'd be fired in a heartbeat.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-66391650559385877722009-06-22T21:24:49.017-04:002009-06-22T21:24:49.017-04:00In a heartbeat! I find it very difficult to think ...In a heartbeat! I find it very difficult to think of a set of circumstances that would make this behavior acceptable. <br /><br />More importantly, she represents someone else, for goodness sake. I would not want my name associated with that kind of behavior. No way!Geore A Guajardohttp://deltaorg.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-57652357577339050512009-06-22T10:33:26.901-04:002009-06-22T10:33:26.901-04:00I think this is a GREAT example of why you need to...I think this is a GREAT example of why you need to approach email as a tool for sending LETTERS not shorter, more casual messages. When you do the latter you run the risk that you audience will totally misinterpret the tone. <br /><br />I can completely see this conversation being in the mind of Ms. Benton as a quick back and forth that degenerated to a very informal conversation that if read with the "right" tone it sounds less aggressive and more incredulous. <br /><br />That being said, I fear I would fire her. However not so much because of the 'attack' I really think there is a possibility that it is a matter of the tone you overlay onto it, but more because of the arrogance and lack of professionalism in her emails as a public servant who works in a sector where presentation and public sentiment are almost everything.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-26987809474591043642009-06-21T22:29:34.256-04:002009-06-21T22:29:34.256-04:00Interesting how many people weighed in on this one...Interesting how many people weighed in on this one! And so interesting to see everyone's opinion.<br /><br />Here's my own: <br /><br />If Liz had been an exemplary employee until now and then this happened, I actually don't think I'd fire her over it. I'd tell her in no uncertain terms that nothing like this could happen again, tell her that she COULD have been fired over it, and then watch her extremely closely after that for signs of similar problems -- and I'd fire her if anything like it happened again. <br /><br />BUT. I have a lot of trouble believing that an otherwise great employee would do this, so I have to think that this is indicates that she's been rude and inappropriately aggressive in plenty of other work situations before now. I could see an otherwise good employee having a bad day and sending one or two of those initial emails -- but the entire aggressive attack? No way. It's got to indicate there were already other problems, and probably also that the manager has done a bad job of setting cultural expectations.Ask a Managerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05281942480230532899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-2595952528669685422009-06-19T17:58:53.620-04:002009-06-19T17:58:53.620-04:00I read the exchange. If I was her boss and I liked...I read the exchange. If I was her boss and I liked her as a person I would give her one warning, and let her know that the next thing she does that's wrong would result in an immediate firing. Perhaps I'd put her on unpaid leave. She needs to 1) not freak out over her nickname 2) stop using email like IM, and 3)walk away from her email if she's going to freak out like an idiot. I speak as someone who had people CONSTANTLY screw up/make fun of her name at her last job, answered her phone 100 times a day, and got paid far less and dealt with far more crap than this entitled idiot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-57026142460580893502009-06-19T14:38:19.784-04:002009-06-19T14:38:19.784-04:00Thought you may like an update: http://wonkette.co...Thought you may like an update: http://wonkette.com/409300/more-super-mean-liz-becton-e-mails<br /><br />Move me firmly into the "Canned" camp.Ericahttp://youshouldonlyknow.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-40214676757063020062009-06-19T12:43:09.730-04:002009-06-19T12:43:09.730-04:00For the emails it is apparent that the woman does ...For the emails it is apparent that the woman does not know when to keep her mouth shut and enjoys using a condescending tone: "And please don't call the office and not leave a message. My colleague told me you called while I was away at the Ladies' room. I do sometimes leave my desk."<br /><br />I don't think a position with frequent public contact is right for her.Rachel - former HR bloggerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13504902980684871964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-32140218894215494792009-06-19T10:26:11.252-04:002009-06-19T10:26:11.252-04:00Definitely fire her. If she freaks out like this o...Definitely fire her. If she freaks out like this over her name, what if something more serious happens? It appears "Elizabeth" has some issues!HR Godesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581227906582298895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-18625037188001682152009-06-19T09:33:15.575-04:002009-06-19T09:33:15.575-04:00I see last night that this story had hit Fox Cable...I see last night that this story had hit Fox Cable News. That in itself may not bode well for Ms. Elizabeth. People do not suddenly change how they act....my guess is that Elizabeth has built a reputation with those who she has contact. If her behavior has been addressed or complained about before, it's time for her to go. Do not pass "GO" do not collect "$200 - or in her case, $109,000.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-43547405145374511802009-06-19T09:12:39.331-04:002009-06-19T09:12:39.331-04:00I would tell Liz not to let the door hit her on th...I would tell Liz not to let the door hit her on the way out.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05317672925930347238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-76130054675939858442009-06-19T09:00:05.870-04:002009-06-19T09:00:05.870-04:00Typically I would say that this warrants disciplin...Typically I would say that this warrants discipline, but not firing. But in this case, this woman is representing a public figure, I'm sure she has had to deal with situations much more sensitive and difficult than this one, who knows what she said to those people. She's not the right person for this job.Just Another HR Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10582169287862727600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-44167606588544571382009-06-18T23:34:04.153-04:002009-06-18T23:34:04.153-04:00This is probably one of the funniest things I'...This is probably one of the funniest things I've seen in a very long time.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00005321569521572360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-86058197122865644842009-06-18T23:09:36.316-04:002009-06-18T23:09:36.316-04:00YES. I cannot stand egotistical and entitled-feeli...YES. I cannot stand egotistical and entitled-feeling people who take themselves WAY too seriously! Without knowing her or her previous work ethic, from these emails alone, I do know that she doesn't have her priorities in order, she's completely unprofessional, and is embarrassingly arrogant! <br /><br />Would YOU fire her?Ashley Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06548199792751259267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-60849693754896170022009-06-18T20:32:14.606-04:002009-06-18T20:32:14.606-04:00The e-mail about "Where did you get your info...The e-mail about "Where did you get your information?" is sufficient for a verbal discussion behind closed doors, to me. It's one thing to make a correction, especially after someone apologizes for the misunderstanding, but another thing entirely to immediately start into an accusatory tone.<br /><br />By the time we get to "If I wanted you to call me by any other name," we've skipped any sort of written warning and gone straight to being escorted out the door. <br /><br />It is completely inappropriate, unprofessional and just plain bad manners to jump all over someone that strongly over a simple mistake. A single correction of "I'm sure there was some sort of misunderstanding, but I don't go by Liz - just Elizabeth" would have been more than sufficient, judging by the other party's reactions. <br /><br />There is no room in a public-facing position for someone who can't at least maintain some sort of decorum in the face of a simple mistake or misunderstanding.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12154473663870650757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-58900328950513113962009-06-18T18:59:18.199-04:002009-06-18T18:59:18.199-04:00Perfect timing for a firing and not just for Lizzi...Perfect timing for a firing and not just for Lizzie... I had a staffer email me to use a shortend name for them this week. NK I'm sorry, but this is annoying. I could see if they were trying to be 'friendly' but they weren't, the tone of the email was very offputting and smug. These people that expect everyone to play by their rulz they make up - gotta go. Fire fire, at will. Don't hold back!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-44673214401450622032009-06-18T18:26:03.204-04:002009-06-18T18:26:03.204-04:00I lived and worked for many years in DC, and this ...I lived and worked for many years in DC, and this kind of behavior, while extreme in this case, is not unheard of at all. The arrogance, self-importance and abusive behavior of people there (regardless of ideological affiliation, non-profit or government) was breathtaking, and I was so glad to get the hell out of Dodge. Because of people like Elizabeth, we have a saying if you live in DC, "If you want a friend, get a dog." Seriously.Kathynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-54752563355733954842009-06-18T14:06:26.037-04:002009-06-18T14:06:26.037-04:00Fire. Public position that greatly effects her bo...Fire. Public position that greatly effects her boss' reputation. His reputation is at least half of his job. Maybe if she was an intern you talk to her and explain this is bad and why (and then probably still fire her).<br /><br />But in Liz's position?Bohdan Rohbockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13652259826356343967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-5067931528663729012009-06-18T13:47:29.879-04:002009-06-18T13:47:29.879-04:00While I was a receptionist for a public company, o...While I was a receptionist for a public company, our biggest shareholder called me "Estella" for nearly a year. That is not my name! I corrected him ONCE, and then smiled nicely and helped him however I could every time after that. What was important was that I got my job done well and that my boss was happy, not that a man who was practically a stranger knew my first name. He probably still thinks my name is Estella!<br /><br />I agree with those who say Elizabeth is a total whack-job who needs a crash course in proper phone etiquette.Amelianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-48838379894166260122009-06-18T13:31:24.879-04:002009-06-18T13:31:24.879-04:00Heck yes I would fire her. There is no room in a p...Heck yes I would fire her. There is no room in a publicly visible position for such ridiculous behavior and incredibly poor judgment. Plenty of people handle the crap that comes with their jobs in a professional and courteous manner (at least while they're at work). If this woman can't, I am certain Rep. McDermott can find someone else who can.Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00718112236359369771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-18577820979265412522009-06-18T12:26:03.217-04:002009-06-18T12:26:03.217-04:00I can't believe Liz is being paid so many tax ...I can't believe Liz is being paid so many tax dollars to be a completely unreasonable crazyface!<br /><br />Sorry, but this is definitely grounds for firing. She was rude, paranoid ("I want to know WHO told you you could call me Liz?!", threatening, and completely unreasonable. I wouldn't want her being my admin for those reasons alone.<br /><br />Not to mention that now these emails are out and being mocked. What else is going on at this office? One can't help but wonder.<br /><br />That being said, thanks for the laughs. This was hysterical. <br /><br />I sometimes get called Jose in emails. People read emails so quickly or skim them, they just see the J-O-S-E and stop before the L-L-E. I get called Sir, too. I get called Josy (ugh). I can't stand it. It is offensive, presumptuous, and often condescending. To not even want to say someone's name correctly is definitely a minor annoyance of mine. But I have NEVER gone off like this. Chances are, I'll never speak to this person again. All my co-workers and people close to me call me by my name and that's all that matters.Josellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15446698567577764380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-17582210949332406252009-06-18T11:55:24.545-04:002009-06-18T11:55:24.545-04:00Wow - incredible. If people are really that sensit...Wow - incredible. If people are really that sensitive, then they have a serious problem. All that would've been required is for her to simply state that she refers to be called Elizabeth instead of Liz and end it at that. I guess she forgot her Starbucks that morning.<br /><br />I've never been in a job in which I had the authority to fire someone, but at the minimum I would have a "friendly chat" with her and document everything. If she had a previous record, then fire her. <br /><br />Having this incident at a company is one thing, but when this person represents a member of Congress, that's a whole different story. If I was that Congressman I would definitely fire her for making me look bad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-86936614622804869352009-06-18T10:56:31.944-04:002009-06-18T10:56:31.944-04:00If someone calls you a different name/name you don...If someone calls you a different name/name you don't like/what-have-you in error, it's fine to correct someone. ONCE. In a POLITE manner.<br /><br />Honestly, life is too damn short to get all sorts of freaked out about what people call you. Maybe I'm just clueless because I'm not in any sort of executive role, maybe I just don't "get it" - but aren't there more important things in the world to focus on?<br /><br />Sounds like Liz REALLY needs to at least switch to decaf.MeredithElainehttp://meredithelaine.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-73329273816607910602009-06-18T10:42:48.883-04:002009-06-18T10:42:48.883-04:00Actually, according to this, she makes $109,000.
...Actually, according to this, she makes $109,000.<br /><br />http://www.legistorm.com/person/Elizabeth_J_Becton/31855.htmlAsk a Managerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05281942480230532899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-76787048092104024812009-06-18T10:41:16.718-04:002009-06-18T10:41:16.718-04:00And to top it all of, we taxpayers give her $80K a...And to top it all of, we taxpayers give her $80K a year to act like that! <br />(just Google her name - apparently that info is public record)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-71047100575265340412009-06-18T10:07:14.231-04:002009-06-18T10:07:14.231-04:00Ok, now I've read the exchange and I still mai...Ok, now I've read the exchange and I still maintain that even though Elizabeth should have stopped after the first apology it was still rude, unprofessional and belittling to try to use Liz. A really sleezy thing to do.<br /><br />I note a lot of people in the comments get a kick out of deliberately calling her "Liz", thus revealing themselves as office bullies. It's obvious from how the emails go that people are already bullying Elizabeth this way. <br /><br />Oh, and for those who go: "Shes a SECRETARY" or "She is in public service" I wonder: do you hand in your right to be treated as a human when you take a job as a secretary? What other service jobs should come with "must be able to take abuse like Pollyanna, because we don't in fact regard you as human"?<br /><br />The more I see of the discussion, the more I lean towards Team Elizabeth.<br />//JessicaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com