someone at work is setting me up to look bad.?

Question

I've just started a new job , this is my second week, its a huge step up from where i was and i really don't want to lose it, it seems to me that one of there lead guys has it in for me and wants to see me fail. he acts like he is all for me being there but i know i am taking the position HE wants. he creates impossible situations so that i will fail, like telling me to have certain things taken care of by a certain time but neglecting to mention certain details that i need to complete the job. so things wind up not being done and he trys to say he told me everything when in fact he didnt.he is supposed to be training me for the position and as far as the owner of the company knows that's what is happening but he isn't. he leaves me out of the loop on everything so that when the owner of the company comes around and asks me simple questions about one thing or another all i can say is i don't know. this guy has been working there for years and i don't know what the owner thinks of him

so i dont want to throw around accusations like that. he is actually really bad for the company, he wastes time and forgets things all the time. he makes other people do all of his work and talks way too much. im afraid this guy is going to run me out of the best job ive ever had and he isnt even as capable as i am.

what should i do?

Answer 1

Ask the guy who is training you to put everything in writing. Tell him you like to be thorough and document everything for future reference and to make sure you don't forget the details. Always put it in terms that show you are trying to do a complete and thorough job. That way, you have evidence of what he told you and what he deliberately didn't tell you. When the owner asks questions, you can pull out a file and show him what your instructions were.

The slacker is obviously trying to make sure that no one looks better than him. The owner probably already knows how much of a screwoff he is.

Answer 2

If you really feel he's setting you up I suggest that you go to your boss and let him know what is going on. Try to find a time when you have the opportunity to speak with your boss privately. Call him, email whatever you have to do to get him to have a meeting do discuss this matter. If the person that is setting you up is as bad as you believe he is for the company, your boss probably already knows this, that is probably the reason he has you in training instead of the person training you and if the boss doesn't know about it someone should bring it to his attention. If you really want this job don't let that jerk steal it right from under you. Stand up to your adversary and let him know that you're not going out without a fight. Do what you know it right. If your boss doesn't listen to you then it's his lost and he doesn't deserve you as an employee. If he values you as an employee he will hear you out and put a stop to nonsense. That's my personal opinion. But you are the one in the hot seat. So what are you going to do about this situation? Think about but don't take too long. Catch your adversary off guard. Peace.

Answer 3

Make a log of everything wrong he does, specially marking the things he has done that might have made you look bad. If you're ever accused of screwing up, you'll have plenty of evidence that you were being sabotaged.

Under no circumstances should you tattle on the guy, unless it's to defend yourself against wrongful accusations.

Make sure the owner knows how much you appreciate this job. I don't mean kissing up, I just mean telling the owner that the job means a lot to you.

Answer 4

Simple, ask more questions about the task. It's not up to him to tell you everything. If you have a college education you should come into the job with a lot of understanding. Perhaps your not actually qualified for the job. I tested a women the other day that had a BS in accounting. She scored below HS level in math.

There are people out there that protect their jobs. 58-65 Baby boomers are in a "red" retirement zone.

Good luck

Answer 5

yes, document, carry around a pad of paper and pen and say, "you, know, I really want to get this right so please explain that again" and over and over until you think this may be right. also think ahead, is it possible he's leaving something out, "Well, okay so how is this usually done? How do we know when it's right? " remember columbo? He was a pest and questioned until people hated him but he got what he wanted. Good luck to you, hang in there and remember, the boss probably knows more about what's really going on than you know.

Answer 6

Next time the owner comes to the office and asks you about something you should say that you are not aware of it but you will find out and you will let him know. Never say you don't know, especially to your boss. Yes, I know that saying that you are not aware about something means the same thing as saying you don't know. But, you add: I will find out about it and I will let you know. It shows that you want to help. About the back stabbing guy, talk to your supervisor and ask for suggestion. Don't say any name, just say "somebody." And if he/she asks for the name just say that you rather not say it. If it doesn't work then go talk to HR Manager.

Answer 7

hmm sounds terrible. i wouldn't know what to do about reporting him. but just act as nice as you can to him. and maybe he'll stop thinking that way and treat you better. and also ask every question you can think of regarding tasks he gives you so you understand everything and he has no choice but to tell you. maybe write down the questions as a record...

Answer 8

I had a job similar to that typing for 14 attorneys a year ago. the. the young woman manager who had a hand in hiring me, from day one let me know she wanted me out of there. I tried so hard to please her.Like you I needed information from her to do my job, i was not aloud to ask anyone else, she would totally ignore my questions. I hope this guy at your job has no influence over the decision keeping you there. I spend 3 months trying to please, crying in the parking lot every day at lunch time. she finally had me fired after 3 months. good luck to you, i hope you get around him. by the way i tried to talking to the boss who hired me. was useless. its a shame how someone can ruin you day at work, day after day.

Answer 9

All I can say is document...document...document. What he said, when he said, and the problems your ran into as a result. At sometime you may need to have a conversation with your boss about this guy, especially if it is impacting your effectiveness.