Horrible P.A

[Notveryhappy]

I have been in my new job for three weeks and i'm just getting used to the way things are working.

A few days ago, the Directors' P.A came downstairs and had a go at me due to some post being in the wrong folder. The way she did it was out of order as there were people there. I admitted i was wrong, but she was a bit harsh.

A bit later on, she came down again and had another go at me because she thought i was taking too long to complete a task, but the task was difficult and time consuming. She was repeating the same question, 'are you struggling, why is it taking so long?' I got a bit upset and started to cry on Reception (Puff, i know) and she still carried on asking me. Then when i said in a more raised voice, 'no, i'm not struggling, it's just time consuming', she said i had an attitude problem.
I couldn't talk at this point as i was so upset and felt really incompetent and stupid. A visitor then came in and i couldn't answer his questions as i was so upset. Unprofessional in my opinion!!!

Today, there is a meeting and and two of the people were late. So I asked him to sign the visitors book and to take a seat. I told the P.A, he was here and she said ok, carry on with what you're doing and i'll sort it. When i came back to my desk, she had a go at me for not making him a drink, even though she said she's sort it and told me to carry on with what i was doing.

I can't win, i didn't want to complain, because I haven't been here long and they may sack me.
Any advice would be good on what to do next.

[Pippa68]

Oct, well done.

Cup of tea anyone?

[cheries]

Yes please, although my b!tch Doc Spock should make it for us, really.

[Oakleaf51]

Tell her to frigg off!

[Octavius]

Ah, well that explains quite a bit. She is obviously trying to feather her nest and set the level of her own importance amongst her peers and senior staff. Vying for attention, if you like. I�m guessing she is a slightly older woman who came from a very large and efficient organisation. Remember though, you are the new girl, and O�Reilly�s advice makes good sense.

Sorry Pip, my PA is banned from taking tea breaks, so I must lead by example.

Now.....what was I doing..... oh thats right.....working. Must dash.

[Doc_Spock]

Just been for a morning paper, perks of being retired. I am Nigel btw. John ??

Strange world now where idleness in the work place is tolerated, even condoned.

What would you say to a flexitime system where you clocked out of paid time when you were on here.

That would would get you lazy lot going no doubt.

Funny notion that skiving is acceptabl.

[cheries]

Stop your whining and get the kettle on.

[whiffey]

There !!

I knew I was right, Nige it is, what a relief.

[Hellyon]

No-one has mentioned the ultimate Nigel...........Havers yum!

Not VeryHappy - this woman had no right to speak to you like that in front of other people it was very unprofessional of her.
I know it is hard to do but next time she does this to you, say "I accept I am making mistakes as I am new here and I really do want to get things right - but chastising me in front of other people is very UNPROFESSIONAL of you and I am getting confused by your instructions"

People like that hate being told they are unprofessional.

Also I agree speak to HR

[Notveryhappy]

There is a Regional Director in my office and he is who i answer to.

IIt's a small office and only 6 people work here and i don't want to be the office moan/snitch type person.. It's quite a difficult situation as at the same time, i think if she be-littles me again, i'll have to walk out

[Doc_Spock]

Walk out then, no great loss i suspect.

[Theland]

No, I think it part of a clever cover up to erase his tracks. I still think he is John. He has let slip or admitted to being a Nigel to throw you off the scent.
Don't be taken in by this clever clogs.

[whiffey]

Then there was Sir Nigel Gresley who designed the world record Mallard steam locomotive which did 126.1 mph between Grantham and Peterborough in 1926.

[cheries]

Poor Doc, no-one's answering your incredibly ironic and very cleverly mirroring question.

[Doc_Spock]

Close Theland, James Nigel actually. Don't use the James bit though.

[whiffey]

Because it's old hat.

[mrs_overall]

Cheries, you've just used the word "ironic." I think the word you were looking or was "moronic."

[cheries]

And so is the Doc.

[Octavius]

I heard someone on here say that Doc was a Count.
At least that is what it sounded like.

What about Nigel Mansell? Nobody ever mentions him.

[Notveryhappy]

Thanks guys who gave the sensible answers

x

[whiffey]

James, well you've got James the brother of Jesus, or James Hunt.