This is a new (3mo) employee. He's a nice enough guy. Trouble is, he's been in the profession 30 years but only worked one other place. He constantly compares our way of doing things with his old job.I'm not saying everything here is perfect- but why did he quit the other place if it was so great? How can I tactfully state this?
2006-09-03 16:10:45 · 15 answers · asked by barbara 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Wow,lots of good answers.
Thanks everyone.
2006-09-03 17:07:19 · update #1
CASTRATE HIM WITH A SHOVEL!!
2006-09-03 16:20:25 · answer #1 · answered by darklordsatan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, try not to indulge his complaints. If he starts whining, just don't respond, or only mumble the occasional "mmm hmm." If he realizes that you shut down every time he starts in, he might notice what he's doing. Also, you might try saying something "in jest." For example, if he starts saying that things were a certain way at his old job you might say "yeah, well, I guess we do things differently here" or "I guess not every company can be that great." If you approach it gently he might get the hint. If all else fails you might just have to be straight with him. "Look, it's been really great getting to know you, but I think some of our co-workers might not appreciate it when you berate the company."
Whatever you do be sure you manage to do it before you end up pulling him from his desk by his ear and smacking him upside the head with a stapler---trust me I know how you feel ;).
2006-09-03 16:26:36 · answer #2 · answered by MegySu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is using the only thing he knows as a frame of reference for learning the new ways at your workplace. This is natural and will subside over time.
A good thing to do is everytime he complains or compares, put forth a positive to counteract his complaint, in a pleasant, friendly way. Use some of the things he may have told you he didn't like about his previous workplace as a springboard for your positive point.
You could also suggest that he put his suggestions for improvement in writing as a professional business proposal, stating the pro's and cons and how they could benefit the company if he wants to be taken seriously.
2006-09-03 16:19:27 · answer #3 · answered by LindaLou 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you considered that he might be right? I would find it hard to go to another company of the same profession after I've been doing it with my company for years. Many things could have happened at his old company, especially in this age of management shakedowns and downsizing. I see it fairly often in my own company, and after you've spent that much of your life at one place...and for it to suddenly not be your life is kinda difficult. Maybe you could explain the rationale for doing things the way your company does.
I can see how it would get old to hear "oh, at my old company..." so maybe you should gently remind him that he no longer works there, and for a reason.
2006-09-03 16:21:14 · answer #4 · answered by susie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to mention to him that his ideas area "interesting" and that he may want to bring his suggestions, not complaints, up to management. also, I would ask him exaclty the question you asked, you know you're place isn't perfect, but if his place is so great then why did he leave. ditch his negativitiy and move on. I"ve been in your shoes. let him find someone else to ***** at. he's lucky you don't bring his negativity up to your boss, because antoher person would. be tough
2006-09-03 16:20:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell him he's getting paid the comparable as all human beings else. the international would not revolve around him and he desires to get to artwork and stop serving purely beverages. If that would not artwork communicate to a supervisor. wish I helped.
2016-11-06 09:17:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO nicey nice....tell him-----shut the hell up or go somewhere else, He's only been there 3 months------he can't LOVE it yet. It is obvious he doesn't. Complaining brings everyone down.
2006-09-03 16:50:37 · answer #7 · answered by Mary 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop listening & walk away
or
say, "This conversation can no longer serve any purpose" and walk away
or
tell him your grandmother founded the company & you find his statements offensive
2006-09-03 16:16:41 · answer #8 · answered by mortyfint 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell him to shut the hell up or you will hide his body where nobody will find it. Or you can explain to him that your company policies differ slightly from his former employers and you would be happy to assist him in understanding your policies.
I prefer the first.
2006-09-03 16:16:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
"I've noticed that you have a lot of criticisms of this workplace -- are you sorry you came to work here?" (Not rudely or sarcastically, just asking seriously.)
Or, "What do you like about working here?"
2006-09-03 16:18:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You answered your own question with the sentence "why did you quit the other job if it was so great?"
2006-09-03 16:19:25 · answer #11 · answered by Chick with pets 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋