What to do when the bosses talk about you?

Question

I caught my director and my assistant director talking about me in front of the public (I work in a public setting). I didn't clearly hear what was actually said, but I figure that it wasn't complimentary, by the expression on both of their faces. The truth is, this wasn't the first time that I have caught them doing this. My first week, I caught two other co-workers saying detrimental things about me. How do I deal with this?

I've been working for 8 months in this paticular place, and I seem to be getting good feedback.

Answer 1

Why are they talking about you? Are you providing ammunition for them to say things?

The detrimental things that you overheard from co-workers was it enough to warrant a trip to Human Resources? If not, how come?

Something doesn't add up. For two management personalities to stand in the open and discuss a fellow employee that is extremely unprofessional and could be reported if there words were unfavorable. And management knows this therefore I don't quite understand why they'd do this so nonchalantly with you and other listening ears within earshot.

Could it be you're simply paranoid? If not, again what are they saying and why would they be saying this? Are you doing certain things such as: arriving late, excessive time off, long lunches, etc...that could cause the buzz around the office to switch to a negative vibe regarding you? If so straighten up and you won't have to worry about the buzz talk behind your back.

If you don't believe you're doing anything wrong and cannot understand why everyone seems to have your name upon their tongue...I'd suggest waiting until you have a true concrete statement that has been said that you can prove. If it is in fact an inappropriate comment, document it and take it to Human Resources to express your concern. That's only if you really like your job, need your job and don't want to leave.

But if I were you - I'd be looking for another job.

Answer 2

The first thing you should ever do in a situation like that is to lean on God first. Let him fight for you, at least allow him the chance to tell you what to say so that your mouth will not write out a check you can not cash. Before you go to work each day read Psalm 70 and as you catch people talking about you recite Isaiah 54:17. Clear your mind about foolishness. Think this way- They talk about Jesus, why not you also. Good company (Jesus) to keep I say. Don't you?

Answer 3

I was in this situation a few years ago. I'm sure I did some things wrong, but mostly it was just the backstabbing gossipy b****** in my department who were upset that they'd hired someone with more qualifications than they had and they were jealous and trying to cut me off at the knees.
Here's what you need to do. Quietly get your resume in order, maybe sneak a few feelers and see if you can get your old job back. They welcomed me back to my old job after a year GLADLY. I was really welcomed back. Because, sista......things are only going to get worse from here if they're doing that already. You're cooked.

Answer 4

Have you tried confonting them and asking them if they have a problem with you ? I may be that you could straighten out what is bothering them if you knew what the problem is. Then again the problem may be them in this case you could be the bigger person and ignore them.

Answer 5

Could be jealousy. Could be mangers thinking that you are trying to prove yourself because you are new...

tell me more about what was sais and what you do as a living and I can help more...

msmith at gmail.com

Answer 6

stop giving them a reason to talk about you and don't try to be their best friends right off the bat, time will earn you the right to become part of their circle

Answer 7

talk to whoever is above them. if they are the owners well...you're out of luck.