SENSE & SENSITIVTY

Manager’s relationship with co-worker causes favoritism

DEAR HARRIETTE: I found out that one of the managers at my job is dating one of my coworkers. It’s 100% against company policy for a manager to be in any type of relationship with a salesperson.

I’m sensing a lot of favoritism since this relationship started. For example, the manager will allow my co-worker to go home earlier than anyone else on most days. I really want to file a complaint about this, but I do not want to be the bad guy. What should I do?

Work Issues

DEAR WORK ISSUES: If you legitimately believe that this salesperson is being favored because of an inappropriate work relationship, report it to human resources. You can remain anonymous when file your complaint. Request that your identity be protected. You will need to have evidence of what you suspect. Otherwise, it’s just hearsay. Before you make your accusation, gather the facts and be able to articulate them clearly. If possible, bring proof to the meeting.

You can tell the human resources representative that it brings you no joy to bring this indiscretion to their attention, but you are concerned for your upward mobility and that of others in the company who do not have the distinct advantage of being intimately involved with one of the bosses.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I put in my two weeks’ notice at work, and my boss gave me a load of things to do before I go. I feel like I am not obligated to do any of them since I am quitting and have already found a new position. It is almost impossible to focus on the transition into my new job because of the humongous work load my boss gave me. At this point, I kind of want to throw my hands up and just leave before my two weeks are up. What should I do?

One Foot Out the Door

DEAR ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR: I always say that endings are more important than beginnings. You should leave this job by displaying impeccable work. I imagine that your boss has loaded you with so many projects because you have demonstrated an uncanny ability to do the work. What you may want to do is talk to your boss. Suggest that what you have been given may be too much for you to complete. Ask that your boss select the key projects that would make the best use of your time. Agree to a more realistic workload and go for it. This matters even as you are walking out the door, because it shows everyone that you are a professional and you do your best no matter what. Sometime down the line, your reputation at this job may reverberate somewhere else. Always do your best and handle your business. It is surely worth it.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAM LEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.)