Unreasonable Request

coffeehound

Sounds like he isn't going to be the CEO of your company much longer.

Sassybot

He and the PA are refusing to put it in an email. This whole thing is actually horrible.

They don't have access to photoshop although a piece of paper over the details and a scanner would do the same job. Not sure why it has to be me.

Mojisola

ohreally wrote: »

I would send him a confirmation email detailing what he want you to do (I'm sure you can word it carefully. I don't know the relationships and dynamics but you could very carefully consider bcc ing in an appropriate person, but tread carefully in doing this.

Sassybot wrote: »

He and the PA are refusing to put it in an email. This whole thing is actually horrible.

You need to protect yourself - this sounds very dodgy.

Exodi

Despite everyone above, I think it's probably worth just doing it.

You do it - CEO is happy with you and subconsciously owes you one, it comes to light he's forged a reference, new employer doesn't employ him. Why would anyone chase the employee who blanked a document?

You don't do it - CEO is unhappy with you (will likely have someone else do it, or spend 5 minutes learning how to do it himself), you're next on the chopping line for being difficult.

Also, you say he hasn't done any favours for you?

Sassybot wrote: »

A couple of things. The latest being a day working from home due to a dodgy timed GP appointment. Was told no.

I've also asked to go on a training course which was turned down and to, at least, have my job title amended as I now look after a team of people. Again, no.

He did bring me in a coffee once though

Seems very one sided AND a bit fraudulent really.

So in return for you using the Clone Stamp tool for a grand total of 22 seconds, you've asked for; (essentially) a day off, a training course (may not be common knowledge, but the ones I've put our staff on cost £1000+ each, obviously depending on subject and length) and a new contract that essentially promotes you to manager (because the next logical step of you having a managers contract would be to ask for a pay increase or jump ship because of your new title). I think the coffee is a pretty good deal!

That's not to say I don't see the fact that he's pretty obviously forging a reference, I just worry you're putting yourself in an even worse situation than you would be if you'd done it.

steampowered

I think you are perfectly justified in refusing to do this, on the grounds that you are concerned that you may be implicated in something fraudulent. Especially as the CEO/PA are not prepared to confirm the request in an email.

However, if you were to do this, I do not think it would be your fault if the CEO did use it for something fraudulent. What the CEO does with the letterhead his problem - not yours. You would not be doing anything fraudulent yourself. The CEO is an adult and is responsible for his own actions.

This is a very difficult situation. Personally I am not sure what I would do in your shoes.

Sassybot

Exodi wrote: »

So in return for you using the Clone Stamp tool for a grand total of 22 seconds, you've asked for; (essentially) a day off, a training course (may not be common knowledge, but the ones I've put our staff on cost £1000+ each, obviously depending on subject and length) and a new contract that essentially promotes you to manager (because the next logical step of you having a managers contract would be to ask for a pay increase or jump ship because of your new title). I think the coffee is a pretty good deal!

Nine months ago I did his daughter's wedding invitations. Since that I'm I have had my review. Prior to the review I was informed by the CEO that no rises were being granted this year but we could ask for other things including courses, change of hours, amendments in title etc. I asked for a £400 one day 'catch up' course for some software I've not used since school and a title change to the equivalent of assistant manager.

Like most people, when someone asks for a favour my immediate response is not 'what can you do for me?'

Sassybot

Thanks everyone.

From what I have since learned it sounds like he is trying to write a CV for his daughter so not as bad as it could have been.

I've pushed it back saying that I have too much work-related work to take on any favours but if they would like it prioritising they need to speak to my manager.

duchy

Just a forged reference then ? (Can't think of any other reason to need his name taken off)

Undervalued

Sassybot wrote: »

Thanks everyone.

From what I have since learned it sounds like he is trying to write a CV for his daughter so not as bad as it could have been.

I've pushed it back saying that I have too much work-related work to take on any favours but if they would like it prioritising they need to speak to my manager.

OK, that makes it a bit clearer.

No disrespect but I was a bit surprised the "CEO of a large public sector owned company" had much interaction with an in house designer.

I agree it is very difficult when somebody in authority asks you to do something questionable. Obviously if it is illegal you must refuse but this seems to be just on the edge.

Comms69

Undervalued wrote: »

OK, that makes it a bit clearer.

No disrespect but I was a bit surprised the "CEO of a large public sector owned company" had much interaction with an in house designer.

I agree it is very difficult when somebody in authority asks you to do something questionable. Obviously if it is illegal you must refuse but this seems to be just on the edge.

Assuming the OP is part of a communications / marketing team it's quite common.