If I make a complaint about my colleague to my boss, will it make me look weak?

Question

I'm the deputy editor on a magazine and the editor is completely disorganised and an absolute nightmare to work with, as well as being really dishonest to me when I discover she has made certain errors. I have covered for her mistakes and blunders for well over a year and I don't think it's fair that I do it anymore. I've even filled up a notebook with diary entries for months on end to keep a record of all the ways she has messed things up. I really want to make a serious complaint to our publisher but will I look like a tell-tale or come across as someone who can't cope with the pressure? Help!

Answer 1

not really if it is a constant problem, you are ' looking out for the companys best interests'. An ideal time to do so would be when you have an appraisel or something similar. If your manager is a good manager he will appreciate the feedback.

Answer 2

You've done the right thing keeping records and notes. Initially i would suggest that you tell your boss (the publisher) you have a grievance and ask to discuss it informally (this is the first stage of any kind of process about a grievance you may have). Hopefully you and your boss can sort this out without it going any further. The reality is that your company is legally obliged to resolve this matter with you following certain guidelines set out by the department for trade and industry www.dti.gov.uk so make sure you are familliar with these regulations and take some action. You are selling yourself short by keeping quiet because the true extent of your skills in the workplace is being hidden by this editor. By speaking up hopefully your publisher will recognise you are acting with maturity and being a responsible employee with the interests of the company at heart. Good luck

Answer 3

well if she's becoming a liability then I feel you need to draw it your boss's attention, especially if you have evidence to back it up. Why do fear that you will come across as someone who can't handle pressure? Is there anyway she can turn this back onto you? Becareful - make sure your case is watertight before approaching your boss, the fact you are asking this question indicates there may be something about your own performance which may come under scrutiny.

Good luck

Answer 4

Have you discussed this with her yourself yet? Unless you feel really intimidated by her it might be prudent to discuss the issues you have with her (if you havent already) being very open about the impact its having on you. It might also be worth explaining what you are considering doing and tell her that this will be the outcome if things dont improve. Once you've done this if they dont improve do what you suggest above. that way you will have been fair with her given her the options and in a way she will have then made the choice for you.

Answer 5

You should definately make a complaint but it could be worth getting your facts organised first and some evidence to back up your grievances or else you could look just like you're telling tales. If you have the evidence and a good enough reason to complain, you'll have to be taken seriously!

Answer 6

Quit covering for her. Document things she does wrong, and show the boss hard evidence of what she is doing. Tell him that out of concern to the magazine do you do this. You just want what is best for the magazine, so in telling your boss you are essentially looking out for the best interest of the magazine and not your own.

Answer 7

Tread carefully.

What relationship does she have with her boss? How do you think she will react? - she could make your position untenable. With respect to her own performance at work, her boss will need to decide if the issue is one of conduct or capability. In your case it sounds like a capability issue. This is more difficult to act against and your boss might decide the easiest course of action is to do nothing.

I'd consider a fresh start in a new job!

Answer 8

You'll look like someone who wants to do your job and do it right. Let him know, that you are trying to do the best you can and be the best you can, but you can't if you have to babysit a collegue. It will make you look like a professional business women, if you make sure your complaint comes across the right way, ya know.

Answer 9

report them get them sacked get promoted no problem.
looks like you are doing their job anyway why not get paid for it.
i hate incompetence in the work place but then again i was in a job that meant if you were not capable you were putting lives at risk.
i learnt a lot while doing that and have kept the same attitude in all forms of work.
if they can not do the job get rid and train up a replacement

Answer 10

- do not use that notebook, unless you got a very good reason. Thats not professional
- but if you think its high time, you stopped covering up for your boss, you can do that.. but use tact! if your boss survives the scare, you might face a lot of flak!