The Bad Reference: What Can Your Former Employer Say?

Posted by John Goffar on Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

You’re fired! We have all heard Donald Trump utter this phrase on The Apprentice. But what happens when you have been fired? What if it was for an untrue or unjustified reason? Or worse, what if you actually did something illegal or in violation of company policy that justified your termination? Once you have recovered from the initial shock of your termination, it is time to get back out there and begin searching for a job. But with the black mark of a termination now on their record and the possibility of a bad reference, many employees are paralyzed with fear about what their prior employers are allowed to say to future employers. So what can...

Read more

The Jerk Boss Conundrum: What To Do? Part 2

Posted by John Goffar on Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

So you have remained professional and calm and have met with your boss to request that the insulting abusive behavior stop, but the abuse continues. What now?

How To Fight Back Against Workplace Bullying

To the extent possible, document the behavior of your boss including detailed notes of what was said, the date and time of the statement(s) and anyone who was present. While it may not be practicable under the circumstances to contemporaneously take notes (and may anger your boss) as soon as the boss leaves your area immediately write down word for word what was said. This “journal” or calendar can be an invaluable tool for later recounting events to Human Resources or...

Read more

The Jerk Boss Conundrum: What To Do? Part 1

Posted by John Goffar on Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

The childhood bully has grown up and is in a position of power. Petty insults, name calling, shouting, exclusion from events, and sabotage, are now daily occurrences. In an alarming trend, more and more employees are subjected to daily abusive language and insults from a Supervisor. It is easy to feel helpless and powerless in such a situation. After all, you can’t complain to the very person you find objectionable right? And if you complain you will be fired right? This is the proverbial “catch 22” in that if you don’t complain you must continue to endure the harassment, but if you do complain you will inevitably be fired. If allowed to continue, The Jerk Boss abuse frequently...

Read more