aaagh! advice needed

POSTED BY: boris
UPDATED: Sunday, August 29, 2010 12:23
VIEWED: 5399
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BORIS

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 3:15 PM

The Coordinator at the afterschool care where I work resigned to follow her Fiancee to Tasmania...Good on her...Unfortunately it means me and my coworkers are subjected to the powermongering of her No 2, who has applied for her job.(E.g. today she told me off because I went to do the dishes at 4:27 instead of 4:30 when I'd been asked to start them!!!!) There is someone temporarily acting as Coordinator but she doesn't seem to have any control over what's happening as she's new to this program she has also applied for the job and doesn't want to stir things up (those of us who've been around for a while are gunning for her to get it as she has her head screwed on unlike No. 2, who's a nice girl but can't deal with power). Anyway Kids are understandibly disgruntled and raw over coordiantor leaving so No 2 decides now is a good time to completely change their routine and somehow convinces big boss it's a good idea!!!!! Naturally the kids revolted and have been completely ferral for the last two days. The temp coordiantor sought me out to see what my thoughts were about it and she and I (and the other experienced crew members) both agree it's a bad idea as the kids don't need the extra disruption, and it makes it harder for her to establish a workable rapport with them as she's the one who has to enforce routine changes. I said I'd back her whatever she decides to do. I'm pretty sure she wants me to say something to big boss...not sure if this would be appropriate, though am busting to say something before things get really messy. any ideas/advice?

BYTEMITE

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 3:44 PM

Well... which is the problem you want to address first? The children feeling betrayed one of their caretakers left them and uprooted from what was familiar and pacifying? Or your wanting to back the No2's decision? Or what you're going to say to your boss?

RIVERDANCER

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 8:12 PM

I don't see that it would be inappropriate to say that the kids were having a lot of problems with all the changes and that, maybe, a more familiar routine would help them adjust to the change in personnel. This is what you believe to be best for everyone, both children and staff. You don't even have to bring up anything about Number 2 and her poor decision making, but if you were to say something like "I agree with our new coordinator on this matter," it could be taken as strong support for her to get the job permanently.

Facts are stubborn things.

CYBERSNARK

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 8:27 PM

Yeah, I agree with RiverDancer; put it in terms of what the kids need, and tell your boss that the acting-Coordinator is doing a good job and should be made permanent. If Numbah Two is causing this much disruption, you can probably just assume that the boss has already heard about it (or will before too long) --you don't want to be the one who escalates.

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We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

BORIS

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 9:43 PM

Thanks that's really good advice...I think I'm going to talk to the acting supervsior about her saying something to big boss about the disruption to the kids and the extra stress its putting on her efforts to run the program, I'll go with her as support if she wants/needs me to.

FILLYGIRL

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 10:54 AM

The only thing I can add is, to be sure that you start out with the concern for the childrens stability at this time,.....then commend the 'acting superviser's current solution.
Good Luck!

Do not bother dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!

...it's worse than you know...Operative
...it usually is.....Mal

BORIS

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 12:20 PM

I go back tomorrow. The kids needs and stability are my primary concern, but once that's sorted I also want to back the new supervisor because I think she'll bring a nice new flavour to the place. Hopefully the kids and our coworkers will give her a chance. I have about half the team and the older kids on side (they seem to respect my opinion) If The other kids see the staff team working well with the acting supervisor that will hopefully make them more secure about her...not many of them like No.2. they just tolerate her so they don't get into trouble. makes for some difficulty and also a big reason why the rest of us hope she doesn't get the job. again she's not a bad person, but could do with more experience. damn I hate work politics!

FILLYGIRL

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 12:47 PM

Good Luck and I hate work politics too. I will send good Mojo for you all.

Do not bother dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!

...it's worse than you know...Operative
...it usually is.....Mal

BORIS

Thursday, August 12, 2010 1:21 PM

Thanks for the good MOJO It obviously did the trick. The afternoon worked out well...No.2 admitted she's been a bit of a nut job due to stress. Big boss was our extra staff member which meant there were a couple of us experienced troopers mixed in with the new blood. Subsequently we all worked together as a team...evrything was hunky dory...hope it lasts.

BORIS

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:48 AM

And we're back to blegh! I've given it three weeks. Acting supervisor has "resigned" so I have no allies left on team. Meeting on Monday so we can voice our opinions r.e how things are going at after school care...I had my shifts cut this week as a warning, but had already decided to go the ethical route for the kids sake and speak up. Kids need to be relaxing and playing after a day at school not sitting and waiting and being quiet for ages. luckily I'm well versed in relevant Government policy and quality assurance requirements. During the meeting I'm gonna get the documentation out and highlight the areas that are being contravened.

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