How do I word a letter of complaint about a colleague to my boss?

Question

I am deputy editor on a magazine but the editor is, quite frankly, hopeless at her job. She was a quick replacement when the previous editor quit (just before I started) and she's been letting the team down for 2 years now. She never sticks to plans, ignores what has been said in meetings and slaps each flat plan together without a care, always muddling things up. She never puts effort into new ideas and rejects everyone else's suggestions. When the bosses tell her to instruct the team, she tells us to do something totally different to what they have asked. I have remained friendly and I've worked flat out to help her, taking on a lot of her responsibilities too, but she just takes advantage of that and she's far from the creative, disciplined leader we need. I want to tell my publisher, but do I just outline the general problems in my letter/email or should I back them up with incidents? I've got a lot to say but I don't want to sound aggressive or waffle on too much. Please help!

Answer 1

Dear Boss,

********** is a wanker. A useless piece of turd and is letting the side down. Get rid of her and give me the job. I'll show you what I can do!!

Love

********

Answer 2

I agree with the answerers who've said that it's best to ask for a meeting, rather than writing a letter. It's going too far to actually put it in writing if this is the first time you've approached the subject. But you could try writing if the initial meeting does not appear to get you anywhere.

However, make sure you've thoroughly thought about the likely consequences of this before you proceed. You're still going to have to work with this woman afterwards (realistically, she will not be fired on the spot even if the boss does take you seriously), and what if she finds out it was you that complained? I would hope that she wouldn't find out that it was you, but a friend of mine was in your situation and the boss actually told her colleague straight up who it was that had complained. And if you work for a small company, she'll probably be able to figure it out anyway.

Answer 3

You could write a short letter with a brief outline of your grievances, possibly even making some bullet points of some instances where you feel she is lacking and what you have done to back her up.

Suggest that you would favour a meeting with them to discuss the matter further. It may also help your case if you can discuss this with your colleagues who also see what is happening, as it looks bad if you are 'out on your own' and no-one else will back you up. They might think as your are deputy then you want her job and will do anything to gain it!!!

Seriously though two years is a long time to be carrying someone. Perhaps if you were on friendly terms with her and she were more approachable you could discuss this with her over a glass of wine or two on a casual basis. Like, 'I feel I do everything to back you up but don't feel I get the recognition for it'.

Good luck!

Answer 4

If it has gotten to the stage where you need to complain then I would start with a short opening paragraph stating why you are unhappy and then outline in short points the incidents that have occurred and the effect this has had on the work you have been trying to acheive. Try to focus on how she has affected and impeded the work you are doing.

Keep in mind that this may result in her dismissal. My best friend was the editor on a fashion magazine and although I love her I know she is very difficult to work with. The marketing director complained about her behaviour and she was fired. It was extremely difficult for her after all the hard work she had put in.

You may still want to consider talking to the editor directly, but if she is just incompetent then a professional and impersonal letter is best. Good luck.

Answer 5

You need to be brief and to the point - state facts not hearsay. Try not to be too personal either - you need to be as professional as possible. Back up all points made where at all possible. Does your company have a policy that you could look at to assist you? You could also discuss the matter with your HR department - they will be able to offer guidance but really all you need to do is point out the facts and give indications of actual events. Good luck.

Answer 6

Firstly you dont make complaints by letter. As she is your senior you should firstly have a word with her and not take on any of her responsabilities. It is not proffesional to go over the head of a senior member of staff,. If she doesnt respond then take it further but have proof ,. Be absolutley honest. As sometimes making complaints can affect your working with the member of staff. If you have a good manager he will be descreet.I think he should be doing yearly appraisles on all his staff. This will ensure all staff are earning there jobs.

Answer 7

Just keep to the point and dont make it personal at all. Outline the problems this person has caused and how much of her work you are now doing. Tell your boss how much you like your job but dont like doing someone elses work.

Answer 8

Talk to your publisher in person. This way he/she can see your body language and that you are sincere and not just winning. Also before you meet, list your complaints and rank them. This way if the publisher seems responded you can get them all out. Or if he/she is reserved, you can get the top few out in the open.
Hope things work out for you...

Answer 9

Arrange a meeting with your boss and explain your problem to him face to face. A letter of this type could be difficult to understand and not get read properly, rather like your question which was overly long.

Answer 10

email and ask for a meeting. Putting this in writing could seem a tad aggressive. Ask to see your boss and talk to him/her about it. It would help if you could get another colleague on side.

Answer 11

write out sn emsil to the boss and back up with valid reasons, and even better evidence ,
if you have that.
I support you, coz i'm thinking of emailing my bosses to complain abt this colleague of mine who is very rude, and
never allows me to finish my sentence over the phone, and SLAMS hard on it halfthrough when i'm
not even fininshed with my talk.

well, i'm pretty angry, and i think i'll give her another chance and wait till she does that agin, so that i could you this as an opportunity to Complain her..!

By the way, she liks to complain abt others too, and is notoriously reknown for that.a plain *****.!