Extended probation

whitewinelady

Hi everyone,

I started a new job in July and recently had my 3 month probation review. Various reasons were given as to why my probation period has been extended, I'd rather not go into them all, suffice to say, I felt it was unjust and asked to meet with the person aboe my line manager to discuss.

At the discussion, their reasons were explained and whilst I agree with some, one thing came up that hadn't been mentioned before today.
It seems that they have received 'more than one complaint' from clients about my attitude. I knew about one and believed it to have been dealt with and resolved. When I asked what the others were and who had made them, I was told that they wouldn't tell me as it would be unfair on the client.

They have given me no chance to give my side to any complaint, I've been racking my brain to think who I might have upset/offended but can think of no situation (besides the one already mentioned) or person who might have had reason to complain. I believe that I get on well with all the clients I come into contact with on a daily basis, so feel that in order to either give my side of any story, or address any issue, that I should know at least what complaint was made, even if they don't tell me who made the complaint.

I feel I get no positive comments on the parts of the job I do well, just negative comments about mistakes I've made - which is fair enough. However, I know for a fact that a client went to management today to say how helpful I am and that she is very grateful for all the help I've given them. She asked for her comments to be put on my record. My managers didn't mention this at all to me. I feel very demoralised and that my confidence in my ability to do my job has plumetted.

Should I pursue the avenue of the 'complaints' to at least try to find out what sort of complaint was made, how can I address any issues if I don't know what they are? As well, surely there are 2 sides to every story?

I really don't know what to do, I feel like I want to leave, I have enough money to support myself for a while but I don't like the idea of not having a job. Advice would be really welcome.

flashnazia

whitewinelady wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I started a new job in July and recently had my 3 month probation review. Various reasons were given as to why my probation period has been extended, I'd rather not go into them all, suffice to say, I felt it was unjust and asked to meet with the person aboe my line manager to discuss.

At the discussion, their reasons were explained and whilst I agree with some, one thing came up that hadn't been mentioned before today.
It seems that they have received 'more than one complaint' from clients about my attitude. I knew about one and believed it to have been dealt with and resolved. When I asked what the others were and who had made them, I was told that they wouldn't tell me as it would be unfair on the client.

They have given me no chance to give my side to any complaint, I've been racking my brain to think who I might have upset/offended but can think of no situation (besides the one already mentioned) or person who might have had reason to complain. I believe that I get on well with all the clients I come into contact with on a daily basis, so feel that in order to either give my side of any story, or address any issue, that I should know at least what complaint was made, even if they don't tell me who made the complaint.

I feel I get no positive comments on the parts of the job I do well, just negative comments about mistakes I've made - which is fair enough. However, I know for a fact that a client went to management today to say how helpful I am and that she is very grateful for all the help I've given them. She asked for her comments to be put on my record. My managers didn't mention this at all to me. I feel very demoralised and that my confidence in my ability to do my job has plumetted.

Should I pursue the avenue of the 'complaints' to at least try to find out what sort of complaint was made, how can I address any issues if I don't know what they are? As well, surely there are 2 sides to every story?

I really don't know what to do, I feel like I want to leave, I have enough money to support myself for a while but I don't like the idea of not having a job. Advice would be really welcome.

This is a difficult call. You have few rights because you have not been there very long.

If they are ignoring good feedback and focusing on the negative this is a warning signal about their attitude towards you and I would consider leaving before my confidence is completely shot to pieces.

Having said that, if there is room for improvement on your part try to avoid getting defensive (if you are, that is - I don't know) and work your socks off to show improvement. Could it be that your employer is ignoring good feedback because they feel you aren't accepting any shortcomings?

whitewinelady

Thanks flashnazia, I'm gratefuf for your comments.

I've had a very troubled nights sleep thinking about this and yes, I probably have been a bit defensive. There is a lot I like about my job however I feel at a loss as to the complaints issue. I still believe that positive feedback should be used to encourage, to not mention something I know has been said makes me wonder if it will even go on my record.

When I had the review it was raised that I wasn't doing certain tasks overly well, I have worked hard on those things and now feel that I have grasped what is required and mistakes are not really happening with those as I've improved.
There have been gaps in my training for a few explainable reasons and I accept that but equally I feel a few comments made have been unfair. It's hard to explain on here what they are as they could identify me. When I started, looking back some things werent mentioned, or I was told things could hapen in a certain way and it was then commented I was doing it the wrong way so I made sure I did things their way.

I'm beginning to think that I don't fit their mould, like they want a 'yes' person and I'm the sort who will stand their ground, not in an aggressive way, but I'm not easily cowed and although I accept that certain tasks need to be done, and certain standard need to be kept to, which I believe I do.

My OH says that had the complaint been serious, they would have dealt with it before now so now I'm wondering if it was a colleague and that them going into a bit more detail about this complaint may give away who said what, if you get my drift.

I will carry on thinking about this and see what today brings.

Thanks again

paddyrg

Stop asking 'who?', and just make sure you raise your game across the board. The message to take from extending your probation is that they think you could shape up and they like you and do want you on the team - but you still have rough edges they are wary of that they hoped you'd have lost by now.

Do they want people who say 'yes!'? Undoubtedly. Why pay someone to get in the way of the job or whine/refuse/push back? They probably also want their employees not to have training gaps for any reason, let alone several albeit explainable gaps.

As opposed to treating this as a punishment, think of it as them giving you another chance, a chance to start afresh. Seek out the training you missed actively. Say yes humbly as opposed to 'standing your ground' (if they are paying you to do a job, do it cordially and with gratitude). Go the extra mile with clients - and I mean delight every one of them.

The company could easily have let you go, instead they are reaching out saying they hope you can raise your game. Take it in that spirit.

flashnazia

paddyrg wrote: »

Stop asking 'who?', and just make sure you raise your game across the board. The message to take from extending your probation is that they think you could shape up and they like you and do want you on the team - but you still have rough edges they are wary of that they hoped you'd have lost by now.

Do they want people who say 'yes!'? Undoubtedly. Why pay someone to get in the way of the job or whine/refuse/push back? They probably also want their employees not to have training gaps for any reason, let alone several albeit explainable gaps.

As opposed to treating this as a punishment, think of it as them giving you another chance, a chance to start afresh. Seek out the training you missed actively. Say yes humbly as opposed to 'standing your ground' (if they are paying you to do a job, do it cordially and with gratitude). Go the extra mile with clients - and I mean delight every one of them.

The company could easily have let you go, instead they are reaching out saying they hope you can raise your game. Take it in that spirit.

I agree with a lot of what you have posted but will go on to say: there is a fine line between being a good employee and being a complete pushover!

whitewinelady

I've had a good think about things and do feel better. A lot of the advise given has been really thought provoking, thanks for that.

I'm not an aggressive person, although I know I can be defensive, equally I'm not a pushover. I'm not a naive young person in their 2nd or 3rd job, I'm highly experienced at what I do and have never had this sort of problem before in any other job I've had, which is why it's hit me hard I suppose.

I'm not going to dwell on the so called complaint, there's no point, what's done is done blah blah blah. In these hard times, I'm lucky to have a job that I like for the most part and I know I've improved and I know I do the most important parts of the job well. I won't be beaten down, nor will I be walked all over, however, I will continue to be respectful and honest and work hard.