Micromanaging Boss Gets Fired After Employee Shows Screenshots Of Their Conversation To HR
If you’ve had your fair share of work experience, you’d undoubtedly recognize the stark contrast between a skilled manager and an inept one. Finding a capable manager who can keep you motivated is a more daunting task than it might seem.
Enter Reddit user u/nerdfury83, who had the unique misfortune of encountering a manager with a penchant for micromanagement. And enter, of course, u/nerdfury83, who would soon become a force to be reckoned with for this overbearing boss.
In a tale shared on the subreddit r/MaliciousCompliance, our protagonist recounted their recent run-in with a freshly minted manager who had a compulsive need for control. The narrative unfolds with a series of events highlighting the extent of this micromanager’s influence.
Even as u/nerdfury83 consistently exceeded their performance metrics and exhibited exemplary dedication, the new manager found opportunities to call them out over minor issues.
For instance, when the original poster (OP) had the rare instance of being tardy due to valid reasons and followed proper procedure by notifying the company and seeking a schedule adjustment, the manager’s dissatisfaction knew no bounds.
During a meeting, despite OP’s insistence that they had adhered to protocol, the micromanager introduced a new rule mandating that OP now call her personally to explain tardiness. Consequently, even on her days off, OP is now obliged to call the manager at 6AM when running late.
The micromanagement saga only escalates from there. And for those who have ever fantasized about standing up against a previous tyrant boss, this story provides a cathartic release.
The saga takes an even more bewildering turn when the micromanager berates OP about their work ethic, despite consistently achieving top-notch results. A case in point is when OP scored 99/100 (with a goal of 50) and managed calls within 600 seconds (against a target of 1500 seconds). Astonishingly, the boss summoned OP for meetings, citing their “unacceptable” performance.
The situation devolves further. When the manager failed to follow through on her own commitments, she uttered the now-infamous line, “if it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen.” In response, OP begins insisting that the manager documents everything. To her claims of verbal communication, u/nerdfury83 echoes the manager’s own words right back.
The climax arrives when the micromanaging boss summons OP to her desk after a call. Upon arrival, OP is met with an empty desk. In this ironic twist, the manager asks OP why they didn’t wait, conveniently forgetting her previous directive not to wait more than a minute if she’s absent.
OP tactfully reminds the boss of her own instruction. Following this, the manager beckons OP to her desk three more times. Each time, the manager is conspicuously absent upon OP’s approach.
As the shift concludes, the manager again requests a meeting with OP. Seizing the moment, OP proposes attending only if paid overtime is approved; otherwise, a meeting can be scheduled the next day with compensation. The manager dismisses OP’s request as ridiculous, but OP stands firm.
It’s essential to note that all of these interactions transpired on the company’s chat server. The manager proceeds to declare her intent to arrange a formal meeting via HR. Unbeknownst to her, OP has meticulously saved screenshots of their entire exchange as corroborating evidence.
The following day, HR schedules a meeting, and OP informs their union representative. As the meeting commences, HR begins, “We’re here to address some concerns. Your team leader requested your attendance for an impromptu catch-up three times, and curiously, you declined each time?”
Recognizing the skewed narrative, OP clarifies the sequence of events. However, the micromanaging boss dismisses OP’s version as factually incorrect.
Then comes the twist: OP employs the manager’s own mantra, “if it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen.” OP presents the screenshots, along with timestamps and call logs, to substantiate their account.
The union representative’s gaze bores into the manager and HR as they inquire about their support for the manager’s actions. HR hastily labels it a miscommunication, but OP persists, insisting on a written exoneration from false misconduct allegations.
Days later, news spreads that the notorious boss is “exploring opportunities outside the company.” The team is on the cusp of receiving a new leader.
Intrigued by this tale of workplace triumph? You can immerse yourself in the original post, savoring the narrative firsthand.
And naturally, OP was more than willing to share the whole account in their own words!
Redditors rallied to celebrate OP’s stellar handling of the situation.
Of course, “if it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen” takes center stage.
The corporate jargon game is strong.
Kudos and a salary increase are definitely in order!
Navigating this terrain is no easy feat.
Commendations for OP’s exemplary handling abound.
A leader versus a boss, the distinction is crystal clear.
Empowering advice on flipping the script.
Some extra hugs for this commenter, perhaps?
Just desserts served up with a side of karma.
If you’ve ever grappled with a micromanaging boss, this saga likely resonates. While not everyone can emulate OP’s audacious stance, we can all revel in their victory over pseudo-leadership.
While these events certainly unfold in a riveting manner, it’s worth noting that enduring an occasional bad boss is an unfortunate but common aspect of the professional journey.
In this arena, OP has amassed enough experience to understand the intricacies of various leadership styles, yet they opted not to submit to the unreasonable demands of this particular manager. Despite the eventual fallout, OP remains resolute in their approach, unchanging in their strategy for handling the ordeal.
In the grand scheme of things, OP undoubtedly exemplifies the kind of employee any workplace would be fortunate to have or promote. All eyes are on u/nerdfury83, rooting for their continued success!
