Comments on: Promotion denied because he was fat — or did 14 lawsuits factor in?

By: Denise

Denise — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:43:40 +0000

Gosh…I do need to clarify that I do not think it is normal to be “greatly feared” and I don’t make reference that I appreciate that. When I state that I am viewed as the devil and greatly feared, this is true and correct. These poor employees think that when I call them to my office, that they are going to be canned. I cannot help the way they feel, it is just the way it is.

This could be attributed to many things. I deal with the employee directly when it deals with sensitive matters such as discipline, medical issues, garnishments, collector phone calls, etc. All other items can be dealt with their supervisor as the messenger. Maybe that is why they are terrified. Who knows. I just want the record to reflect that I am not happy nor do I consider it normal by any means to be greatly feared.

About the former lieutenant, we don’t really have his side of the story either and that is why I am more objective on the subject. I merely expressed that sometimes things are not as they appear.

By: Megan

Megan — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:24:54 +0000

First of all, all of those who are arrested are not criminals (innocent until proven guilty). Some of those in law enforcement do in fact use excessive force – there is enough video evidence to support that. I can understand two or three lawsuits being the norm – but 14? It seemed even his fellow police offers and public service peers didn’t respect him and there is a reason for that.

Although I really didn’t want to comment on this, I can’t believe as an HR professional you think it is OK or normal to be “greatly feared.” I’m sure there are employees who do not like things that have happened and blamed me for part of it, but I KNOW I have the respect of my employees. I reach out to those I might have a broken relationship with because I am still HR and still there to support them.

Their perception is their reality.

By: Denise

Denise — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:51:54 +0000

This is a tough one. But really…anyone can accuse someone of misconduct. Public employees are subject to the public. Dealing with people is really tough, especially the public. I find it really interesting that this former police sargeant, has escessive force claims against him filed by what? Would be criminals? Are we assuming they are honest? Wow! All of that is open to interpretation and very subjective. Maybe he did, because he had to. What is he to say, “Sir…please don’t struggle and allow me to handcuff you.” The fact that the insurance settled doesn’t sound like he was convicted by a judge and jury. It was probably easier to pay “nuisance” settlements than to actually defend this individual, so this doesn’t necessarily mean he is guilty.

As an HR professional, I have been called the devil and am greatly feared by employees. The truth is, how can you fire someone and not be viewed as the devil by their coworkers who do not have the whole story? How can discipline, and rightly deserved, be issued without miffing someone? I am either deeply loved or deeply hated. There is no in between. I have 4 formal complaints about me and most of them have to do with the fact that I am never at my desk when they stop by unannounced to my office for some HR assistance. We run 24/7 and yes, I work 12 hours but not 24, sorry.

My hat goes off to public employees who have to go through false accusations…glad I am not one of them.