Co-worker demands a PUBLIC apology

[gristy]

For 6 weeks he's supposed to have been working on my project (I am the project lead). Several meetings were held to kick off his part of the project and define it in broad terms. Joe's a senior guy, and the plan was for him to specify his part of the project in more detail and review it with me. My boss asked him to send weekly reports to the entire group (about 6 engineers) and to bring questions and updates to me. In six weeks I've received nothing. He hasn't even sent weekly updates to our boss. So last week I said in my weekly to my boss that "no progress" has been made on such-and-such. Then what does my boss go and do but roll my weekly up into his weekly (with much wider distribution) without making any edits. Yikes. So Joe comes storming into my office yesterday all aggressive, and I was just as aggressive back. And today, like I said, he's demanding a "public" apology. Background: Joe has been a problem for my boss ever since Joe was transferred to him early last year after Joe had a big fight with Tom, his boss at the time. My poor boss has had nothing but grief from him ever since then, and I've heard quite a bit about it from him. We'll see where this all ends up.

Should I apologize? How about this:

"I'm sorry that Joe was offended at my remarks that to my knowledge, he has accomplished nothing on his assigned project. It certainly is never my intention to offend anyone, but to always in objective terms state the truth of the matter. It seems that Joe found my words offensive, and for that I am truly sorry." :evilgrin:

[lojasmo]

1. Your "appology" sounds reasonable.

Don't cave in to that ass. He's a lazy. manipulative slime.

[boobooday]

2. Well put

And honest.

But not mean, and definitely polite.

http://www.wgoeshome.com

[liberalhistorian]

3. Seems to me that he has,

indeed, accomplished nothing and has not fulfilled his responsibilities as far as the project is concerned. The problem appears to be his, frankly, and I don't think you owe him diddly-squat.

People who do their jobs and fulfill their responsiblities should not have to apologize and cover for those who do NOT do their jobs and fulfill their responsiblities, who expect their co-workers to do their work for them, and who still expect all the credit if they didn't do the work.

[gbwarming]

4. "I'm sorry I didn't burn Joe's sorry, lyin' slacker ass a month ago. "

(Heck, that's two apologies!)

[Spinzonner]

5. Since he (presumably) has a documented history

of problems with work and authority, I would consult with HR (Human Resources) or the equivalent as to how to deal with the situation. There may be procedures for difficult/problem employees or just general advice or even legal considerations.

[gristy]

8. My poor boss has been going through this for over a year

For many months he has been documenting every conversation with the guy to establish an irrefutable paper trail on his behavior.

Here's some more: at one of the "kick-off" meetings where I reviewed the project, he had the audacity to put his feet up on the conference room table and keep them there for over 15 minutes. And this wasn't some darkened room where he could do this somewhat unnoticed. This was a meeting where we were all gathered around a table discussing the project. Present was Joe, another engineer at Joe's level, me, my boss, and HIS boss (who has about 50 underlings). The only person crazier than Joe (not his real name, as you probably guessed) is maybe his boss for putting up with him for this long.

[koopie57]

6. I would tell him

that I will apologize when he gets some quality work turned in on time.

[Pale_Rider]

No stinking apology ...

... and make some motion to get this loser off the project.

[Whitacre D_WI]

7. Apology?

It's time for someone who's out of work to get that job. Obviously, Joe doesn't want it anymore.

[LisaM]

9. Rule No. 1, Document EVERYTHING

Chances are, this guy has a personnel file five inches thick. For all you know, he has received enough prior warnings that this will push him over the edge.

My friend works with someone like this. They want to get rid of him, but had to let him try medical leave first. Miraculously he has been put on some medication and it's helped somewhat (though not completely.) BTW, her co-worker is a right-wing whacko. Is yours?

[gristy]

10. I do NOT want to know

Though he's seen my NO2W bumper sticker, and he hasn't tried to blow up my car.

[Darth_Kitten]

11. he didn't do his job......

you can lead a horse to water.....but you can't make him bring updates to you. :eyes:

WHY would you ever consider apologizing? You did nothing wrong. :hi: