|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
209.250.112.162
First of all, a heartfelt "Thank You!" to everyone who pitched-in with their knowledge, advice, and/or experience. I was only just now able to read all of them (the computer Chez Collie residing at the computer hospital over the weekend and due to be released either today or tomorrow), and I was not able to respond to any of the replies over the weekend.Two items which I should have made more clear in my previous post. One, the person who retired from here was considered irreplaceable, and in many people's eyes could damn near walk on water. Something like this would be unthinkable for them. Secondly, the job was a "Bid job", all costs to be charged against the agreed upon price, and thus the added costs would not be billed to the Contractor but rather absorbed by us in-house. In other words, it would take a bite out of our commissions and never be passed along to the Contractor.
After much consideration over the weekend (and after reading the advice here) I decided to bring the matter to the attention of my boss. I reported on the warranty issues he asked me to look into, and after that I closed his office door and brought this matter to his attention. I told him about my previous communications with the retiree, I didn’t speculate or offer up any thoughts but rather just presented him with the facts (receipts). I told him I didn’t know the entire story, I didn’t wish to jump to any conclusions, and that whatever was in the file would go no further than between himself and I as I viewed the whole thing as none of my business. He let me know that he appreciated my candor, but I could tell that he was deeply concerned about it (“He didn’t mention any of this to me”).
I have since documented the entire affair should it ever re-appear in the future, and as far as I am concerned, “That is that.”
Ergo grex, ergo sum.
Follow Ups:
You upheld your own standards of honesty and integrity and that of the Brotherhood of Centralians. (Um, the latter is a bit suspect, of course.)
Just trying to live up to my own expectations, Gary. Nothing more, nothing less.(Now if I could just find a CDP that lives up to my expectations...)
:)
Ergo grex, ergo sum.
You dun da rite ting.
I once told you that my (now "ex") BIL came from Barbados, right? He used to talk like dat, mon, and I still get a smile when I hear that "accent".Thanks!
Ergo grex, ergo sum.
...is quite different from those in the Caribbean. It's a lot smoother, and has been compared to a weird cross between southern US and British with a trace of Caribbean in there. If we ever meet I'll give you an example.As with all accents, variants can convey incredible intellectual laziness, and I loath that. I generally speak in whatever accent is predominant in the person I'm talking to. Some white Bermudians will go through several completely different accents in one sentence, going from Southern US, Northern English to Bermudian and gawd knows what else.
I didn't chip in because it was out of my realm, but overall its good to know when you don't have a dog in the hunt. You were on the sideline with binoculars.Good judgement. Some others would jump into it because its juicy stuff; more interesting than their daily grind. You also took measures to ensure that none of this garbage comes back to you.
DE has been coaching me on the side regarding my new job, and a couple of the things he has told me have been playing in my head during this whole thing, chief amongst them "manage your image" (not to mention a healthy dose of CYA!).Who knows how I may have handled this differently at a different time and/or place.....
Ergo grex, ergo sum.
He has a wealth of knowledge about traversing the minefield that is an office political environment from what I can tell, and is exceptionally good at communicating the way through it.He could have a second career in career counseling. Are you listening, Monsieur Ears?
What he said.
... and there's also a lesson or two to be gained from the experience:1) Doing what is right, however unpleasant, is the right thing to do!
2) However insignificant any "fiddle" may seem, it is the wrong thing to do!
3) No matter how thorough a person's cover-up may be, some trace will remain!
4) Playing it straight and playing it humble does work out best!
5) Having stated that the situation is "none of your business", live up to the statement and DO NOT ask any further questions.
6) What will be a good indication of what your boss thinks of you is if HE initiates further discussion around what actions were taken!This might sound very cynical but is a lesson I learned in my first month in sales:
"Always tell the truth and make sure that people recognise this in you, so that, when you have to lie, people will automatically believe you!"
This is not as cynical as it may sound as there are lies and there are lies - and not all lies are equal.
White lies (usually lies of omission) are often demanded in business/commerce as the whole unvarnished truth - particularly if taken out of context - can do untold damage.
The trick is to have the judgement to determine:
a) What constitutes a necessary white lie
b) What circumstances demand a white lie
c) The relative implications of the truth versus a white lie
d) When (ie: timing) to use a white lie (typically not as an answer)
e) If it is absolutely essential (effectively a re-visit of c. above)
f) When in doubt, tell the truth...By way of example, a very plain but favourite aunt asks you if you think she's beautiful... Truth or white lie?
In this context, a white lie can be viewed as a form of social lubricant as it keeps the society functioning smoothly...
I really appreciate your experience and input on all things "business-ish". Because of our side emails I know that you have a pretty good understanding of my new position, and I'm glad that my true thoughts, feelings, and actions agree with all that you have told me.Perhaps there's hope that I can survive this yet, eh?
:)
Ergo grex, ergo sum.
I thought that it was a cost paid by your company and not billed to the customer, but others seemed to read it differently, so I didn't respond. But the thought that does occur to me is that you might wonder where that a/c system was installed. Maybe not your predecessor's home. Maybe your boss's home. Or his boss. Or the purchasing decision maker with customerc as a kickback. You probably did the right thing, but watch your back.
________
"Occasionally we list eccentrically, all sense of balance gone."
At the same time of, or immediately prior to, this invoice he was asking me to obtain prices for him on very similar equipment from my old employer, said items to be installed in his "rental property" (aka: son's home).Too many coincidences, not only for me but for my boss as well.
But like I said, I'm done with it.
Ergo grex, ergo sum.
"yep".
I suspect that your "stock" with that company has just gone up exponentially. You did what needed to be done, but you did it very discretely, and without jumping to conclusions. Very nicely handled, in my opinion.
Windmills, that's what!
Ergo grex, ergo sum.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: