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Even Jeffrey Dahmer tricked people into thinking he was a nice guy. There's
no shame in telling Mgmt that she is not working out. Chances are, each and
every one of them has hired someone that ended up not working out. The true
problem would be in letting her continue in her ways (and dragging you down
- professionally and emotionally).
Is there a project that you can hand off to her in its entirety? If so, let
your manager know about your suspicions ("Hey boss, I have a few concerns
about our new TW - can we talk?") and then give her the project, and have
her report to your boss as well. Your boss can then communicate to her that
you are too busy to assist her, and this is her project alone. Then let the
chips fall. In the meantime (to bring in what was an off-topic thread from
last week) insert an Easter egg into some of your docs. A good example (if I
do say so myself) is to hide your name or initials in something you've
written. If she tries to take credit, just point out your name in the
document and let her explain how it got there.
Most incompetent people will hang themselves, but often don't because good
people feel responsible and won't hand over the rope. Maybe that's a bit
severe an analogy, but you get the point. I can assure you that it will be
worse later on when she is found out, and they realize that you hadn't taken
any course of action.
IMNHO - tell someone higher than you that you have concerns. You don't have
to sound acusatory, just concerned. The first "mistake" (if you can really
call it that) was to hire her. The second mistake is not to do anything
about it.
That being said, you'll also want to talk to HR about it, as firing her or
terminating her contract without being given an opportunity to change could
result in legal action. ESPECIALLY if Mgmt thinks she is doing well right
now. You may even want to talk to your boss AND HR at the same time - that
way neither one can shrug it off.
Good luck!
Rob Domaschuk | 312.853.8337 - t
Technical Writer | 630.430.4162 - m
Datalogics inc. | 719.623.7431 - f
"There is something horribly wrong with a world
in which there are more lawyers than good chefs"
- Peter Mayle, _Acquired Tastes_
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