That’s not what Charlotte did

Question

I recently started a new position. For me it’s a contract position, so I know I can re-evaluate    if I’d I want to continue at the end of a year. I ensured I could have my old position back if for some reason this contract did work for either myself or the new company. The person I replaced retired and had been there forever. Now, I have one co-worker that constantly tells me that how I do things is not what Charlotte did. Some of the things I do differently are because Charlotte did them wrong and some times  it is because I’m following my company’s policy.  I love the company I work for and would never do anything to jeopardize my position in the company. Especially if I choose not to renew this contract. There are several other co-workers that love the differences between they way I do things and the way they have always been done. How do I get along with someone that questions everything I do and always responds with that’s not what Charlotte did.

BansheeBailey · Answer

“This is how I need to do things.”

I once replaced a person who had been there forever and retired. This person didn’t speak to one of the team and was best friends with the other. Luckily “the other” was on medical leave most of the time, but when she returned she disagreed with some things I did. She wrote a memo behind my back, detailing whatever it was she disagreed with and gave it to the Accounting Manager (not even MY manager), an ally who immediately told me about it.  She had WANTED to send it to the Finance Director!

The retiree and this coworker had flat-out refused to use the electronic payroll system that the other coworker had been using for years, and their manager just let them get away with it, which was one of the reasons I had been brought in in the first place!

Those two made older workers look bad. Even though I’m 65 myself now, I can sort of get why employers shy away from older workers. They just assume we’re all technophobes.

Sometimes you have to cut them right off. Enough is enough.

I remember a scene in the film “Best in Show,” in which a dog owner keeps complaining to the dog’s trainer about the trainer’s refusal to let the owner do her makeup. Finally, the trainer tells her, “You know what? You’re just gonna have to let this one go.”

SShep · Answer

'If you have a problem with the way I do things, please feel free to bring it up with management. Otherwise, feel free to get a life.'

Okay maybe not that harsh, but it's time to nip this in the bud and say something that (hopefully) ends these comments. Why not say 'that's because Charlotte did this incorrectly' or 'I'm following the procedures our company has provided.'

That’s not what Charlotte did

You're invited.

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