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Dr. John Burton teaches Ethics at the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto, Canada.

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"Fight or Flight"

September 4, 2002
Dr. John,

My Branch Manager recently promoted a good friend to the position of Assistant Manager. He is horribly inept and has a penchant for coming in late, leaving early and taking three hour lunch breaks. When I made my feelings about it known to my Branch Manager I was rebuffed and made to feel so uncomfortable that I resigned. Should I go over her head and take my concerns to the Market Manager or just leave it alone since I dont work there anymore?

Unemployed but not Uninformed

Dear Unemployed but not Uninformed,

It's frustrating to have a co-worker who is inept, especially when they get promoted. Your decision to resign was a drastic, but perhaps unavoidable step, since the Branch Manager seems to be supportive of the inept employee.

As an ex-employee you need to ask yourself about your motivation for going to the Market Manager. It isn't loyalty or concern for the organization's performance which is driving you. You don't work there now.

Unless there is some good reason, which I can't imagine, for you to remain involved in the affairs of this organization, my advice is to let it go and spend your energy looking for another job.

Do any of my readers have a suggestion for Unemployed or others in their position, that would address the issue of an inept co-worker who seems to be protected by the boss?

Dr. John

 


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