Is my manager trying to get me to quit?

Question

I've only been at my job for 2 months. It's a huge retailer for home improvement. One might even say that it's a depot for improving your home. Already however I've been called into management's office 3 times for "things they've been hearing from other employees." I've had no trouble with customers. I've had no wierd, or awkward exchanges with workers, and have made friends quite quickly. Had a great evening out last night in fact with 2 co-workers. They won't give me examples as to what the issues are, or what I need to do to rectify the "things they've been hearing." Is this some ploy to try and plant seeds of doubt, and run me out the door?

Answer 1

If you quit it makes their job easier.  Since you have only worked there 2 months, they can let you go at anytime before 90 days.  I have worked for HD for 10 years.  They have probably hired too many people for the spring season and need to cut hours.  So if i was betting, this is what they are doing.  If they hired more people the same time as you, talk to them.  Each time they bring you into the office, they don't have to put anything in writing, just talking to you counts and they can put a record in you file to back themselves up for your 90 days.  If a DH or SM says hey you were 5 minutes late yesterday, they can put it in you file.  If i were you, i would be prepared.  I have seen it too many times.  Sorry.

Answer 2

You have all the right to know.  they need to tell you what wrong did you do before they let you go.

Answer 3

Maybe not.  Having you to the management's office is to call your attention on something important.  Maybe a way of couching you on some skills, such as people skills.  Keep your mind open to the "things they've been hearing from the other employees" and work on that to improve yourself.  It's not always how we see ourselves but it is also how others see us.

Answer 4

If called in again I would first ask for specifics, in a manner that is professional and non threatening, such as "can you give me an example of what you have heard?"  and the second thing I would do is stop socializing with the co- workers. The chances are very likely they could be the source of your trouble. Even if people have nothing to gain (promotions, etc.) people like to gossip and cause trouble. Go to work, put on a bright smile, be polite to your peers and keep your work and social life separate.

Also if your manager cannot give you specifics of what things they have heard, and continue to call you in, start a log - dates, times, overview of manager comments and if your co- workers are feeding you info, do not comment and document those things as well. People are vicious!!!