About to be fired? Ask why
Question For the past eight years, I have been a senior divisional manager in a large financial services company. I have enjoyed my time in the position, and know I have made significant contributions to the growth of my division; this has been confirmed by receiving “ above expectations” ratings in performance reviews.
Lately, things have been happening that give me a growing sense I may not be here much longer. I have not been invited to several key meetings I would normally attend. Also, I’ve learned from colleagues that I have not been copied on a number of management e-mail communications. Adding to my suspicions is that my boss has not been as communicative or accessible as she normally would be. I don’t think I’m being paranoid in feeling I’m being increasingly isolated, and that my future is in doubt. What should I do? Answer You are experiencing several of the symptoms of outofloop syndrome. The silent treatment by your boss, the mysterious omission of your name from the mailing list for internal communications, and not being asked to participate in management meetings are sure signs there may be a plan in motion to show you the door.
It appears your boss, and perhaps others, have lost confidence in you. It may be these tactics are being employed to force you to voluntarily leave, saving a hefty severance payout in the process. Or, it could mean your termination is in the works, and they are looking for a replacement.
Don’t rush to market with your resumé in hand without finding out what went wrong. As an executive recruiter, I would be less than impressed by your reason for leaving if you couldn’t explain the circumstances behind it.
Search your memory for clues. When did you first notice you were being ignored? Before then, were you involved in any disagreements with your boss on issues that may have caused her to question your loyalty and commitment? A costly, poor decision? Or perhaps an initiative or strategy you refused to support?
Don’t wait for the axe to fall. Seek legal advice to determine your rights and options. Next, call a meeting with your boss and discuss your observations. Ask her to be honest about what is going on. If it’s evident there have been misunderstandings or misconceptions that have led to this situation, set the record straight and offer to work with her to resolve the issues.
However, if you guessed right and plans are underway to show you the door, be aggressive and take the lead in negotiating the best-possible exit arrangement.
Financial Post James Parr is vice- president at management consultancy and
executive search firm Michael Stern Associates Inc. in Toronto, www. michaelstern. com. Career
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couch@ michaelstern. com