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I work with someone who is keeping track of everyone else's movements in a journal... February 2005, Article 9 Dear
Office-Politics, Suspicious Dear Suspicious, Your letter raises serious questions, however when I first read it I laughed out loud. And only because it gave me insight into myself. I am known to walk around with a journal taking notes, at meetings, on the phone, with family etc... So I wouldn't want to jump to any conclusions that this coworker is
up to something devious or malevolent! She simply could have a note-taker
type of personality. I take notes because it helps me to gain perspective
on what is going on in my life, it keeps me organized -- and it is a
terrific memory tool. It helps me enormously to look back to a conversation
and remember the important details. But I understand that it can make
some people nervous, and unsettle them. In my case, if it's not evident
why I'm taking notes, I'll tell people what the purpose of the note-taking
is. I do this to make people relax. Let's return now to your question. I've given you examples of why people keep journals. You need to find out what the purpose of your coworker's note-taking is, and why she's following another worker around. Ask her directly. (Take your own journal with you and write down her exact comments! Don't forget to also record her reaction to you taking notes ;-) If you think her answer is off-base or makes you uncomfortable, then speak to your Supervisor about it. It's better to get the issues out in the open than speculate privately on this worker's true motivation. Thanks for writing to Office-Politics. Franke James
The Ethics Letters that appears as a feature of this Website is an educational and discussion oriented column designed to help the reader better understand ethical issues. The matters discussed in the letter are reviewed in a summary/abbreviated way and are only meant to foster thinking on the part of the reader. If a person decides to adopt or implement suggestions, they do so at their own risk. No representation or warranty is provided in relation to suggestions or the contents of the letter. Neither the authors of the letter, Franke James, John W. Burton, or the owners of this Website accept any liability whatsoever for any opinions expressed in the letter or for errors and omissions. Submission of letters to the Office-Politics Forum grants the Publisher, Nerdheaven Ltd. the right to reproduce, republish, repurpose and excerpt the submission in any and all other media, without compensation or contacting the author. Copyright Nerdheaven Ltd. 2002-2005
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