Snakes In Suits

[RyanX]

Hi All,

I really appreciate being able to read this thread, as I am currently undergoing a "battle" of my own. (I read Robert Hare's other book, but have just ordered "Snakes in Suits" for more specific info about workplace dynamics). My energy level is taking a hit right now, so I am going to set aside some extra time today to relax and breathe! It's been unbelievably helpful to hear your stories and learn from your experiences. Thank you! If you think my story would also be helpful, perhaps I can relate more as things continue, but right now, I'm still processing. The short story is: we've just taken steps to remove a consultant from our midst and take on all data admin and tech support in-house. The two of us assuming these responsibilities are also receiving the brunt of attacks from said consultant, who has had his hands in everything. It's not a pretty situation this week. I'm working to be as diplomatic and non-emotional (and certainly not provocative!) as possible-- hopefully we're still receiving emotional backing and support of our company owners, but it's hard to say as things progress. And, having to figure out what access to remove, account passwords to change, etc. has been hard, never having had to do this kind of thing before. In other circumstances, taking these measures wouldn't be necessary, but we have enough experience with this particular person to need a clean cut-off. I fear we may have even missed some things, but I suppose we'll know eventually! Anyone else have experience to share or advise on how we can limit our exposure?

Cindyj,

Wow, that sounds like a veritable nightmare!

I can't offer any specific advise for your situation other than to say changing all your passwords on the various systems is necessary. Maybe even try to put some routing rules in to keep anything from this consultant's ip range blocked. From what you described, it sounds like you guys are trying to get things locked down. Keep a running log of the situations you encounter and make it as detailed as possible. It may pay off if you need to take legal action against these crooks.

Good luck to ya!

 

[cindyj]

Thanks for the support and the idea about keeping a log. Good thinking!

 

[cindyj]

After having read a large part of "Snakes in Suits" (I jumped around a bit, but now I'm reading it sequentially), I am able to look back with more clarity at some of my past conversations with this former consultant (the one I wrote about a couple of weeks ago).

One of the more shocking things that occurred was his complete outrage over our having removed his data access to our systems. Although we had just met the previous Friday to try and work through details of the transitioning of services in-house and he walked out on the meeting telling us we could figure it all out for ourselves, this still came as a surprise to him (or so it would seem).

I had initially felt guilty about the timing because he hadn't yet received the e-mail by my manager confirming details of the transition before our having removed access. When he first had trouble logging in and sent e-mail, I attempted to contact him by telephone (he worked from home), but he didn't answer, so I left a voice message. Maybe he heard his voice mail, maybe not, but instead of acknowledging the change, he railed in a series of e-mail messages to all of us involved, including the company owners in very bitter and hurtful language. The reality of the situation versus the way he presented his grievances was so disparate, that even our manager noticed, commenting to us that he was just ranting because we'd taken away his toys.

So this has been a real turning point for our company. This same manager had put up with the shenanigans of this particular consultant for two or more years while having our inventory system set up by him. Now that he is gone for good, I am looking through the system and working to clean up some very irregular data. On some levels, I think this person probably did the best that he could with what he knew, but he covered up a lot of what he didn't understand with very bad work practices, lies and blaming others. Three weeks in now, I can see that he was in over his head-- it's miraculous that we're working as well as we are. We have found ourselves in what the book, "Snakes in Suits" describes as Phase 3: Abandonment. I just hope it lasts, in this case!

By the way, we got his final invoice, and he actually charged us for all the hours of that last morning spent sending rants to us through e-mail. Can you believe it?

 

[Gawan]

After having read a large part of "Snakes in Suits" (I jumped around a bit, but now I'm reading it sequentially), I am able to look back with more clarity at some of my past conversations with this former consultant (the one I wrote about a couple of weeks ago).

One of the more shocking things that occurred was his complete outrage over our having removed his data access to our systems. Although we had just met the previous Friday to try and work through details of the transitioning of services in-house and he walked out on the meeting telling us we could figure it all out for ourselves, this still came as a surprise to him (or so it would seem).

I had initially felt guilty about the timing because he hadn't yet received the e-mail by my manager confirming details of the transition before our having removed access. When he first had trouble logging in and sent e-mail, I attempted to contact him by telephone (he worked from home), but he didn't answer, so I left a voice message. Maybe he heard his voice mail, maybe not, but instead of acknowledging the change, he railed in a series of e-mail messages to all of us involved, including the company owners in very bitter and hurtful language. The reality of the situation versus the way he presented his grievances was so disparate, that even our manager noticed, commenting to us that he was just ranting because we'd taken away his toys.

So this has been a real turning point for our company. This same manager had put up with the shenanigans of this particular consultant for two or more years while having our inventory system set up by him. Now that he is gone for good, I am looking through the system and working to clean up some very irregular data. On some levels, I think this person probably did the best that he could with what he knew, but he covered up a lot of what he didn't understand with very bad work practices, lies and blaming others. Three weeks in now, I can see that he was in over his head-- it's miraculous that we're working as well as we are. We have found ourselves in what the book, "Snakes in Suits" describes as Phase 3: Abandonment. I just hope it lasts, in this case!

By the way, we got his final invoice, and he actually charged us for all the hours of that last morning spent sending rants to us through e-mail. Can you believe it?

Hi cindyj,

in case you haven't read it yet, in one of the last chapters (the 10th I think) of the book are counter-measures against psychopaths at work.

And are you familiar with the ÉE-program and here? Maybe it could help calm you down, specially doing the pipebreath in stressfull situations.

 

[cindyj]

Thank you for the reminder. It makes a huge difference to set aside time for the pipe breathing and meditation, and I have been missing it. With family schedules changing this fall, I haven't found a reliable time/place to work it in, but really should!