Second Opinion in a Work Situation

NewsMeQuick

Hi all,

I'm looking for a second opinion on something.

I started a new job this week, a 2-year contract and it's a huge jump up for me. I worked for the employer a while back for a short contract in another division.

Tonight, at an after-hours pub session, a colleague who I worked with in the previous division, who I've always been on very warm, friendly terms with, made some wildly disparaging remarks about my work from my previous contract, suggested that I tread carefully in my new role and some of my work would eventually require her approval. Absolutely no part of my work would ever require her approval. I was caught like a deer in headlights at her catty approach, wondering who this person was. I'm stunned because this is unprovoked and we used to be friends. I'm trying to figure out, is this arrogance (she got a promotion) and alcohol, or is this opinion limited to her. I can't imagine how I could have got past HR, got my new role ( a really good salary) if I didn't get very positive feedback from my previous manager and her manager who I also worked with.

What matters the most to me is figuring out if this is just her, bitter opinion or is it more widespread. I'm thinking about perhaps should I ask for a private chat and get feedback either from my previous manager, or enquire discreetly with HR. I don't know.

Any thoughts? Have you been through something like this before?

udun

NewsMeQuick wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking for a second opinion on something.

I started a new job this week, a 2-year contract and it's a huge jump up for me. I worked for the employer a while back for a short contract in another division.

Tonight, at an after-hours pub session, a colleague who I worked with in the previous division, who I've always been on very warm, friendly terms with, made some wildly disparaging remarks about my work from my previous contract, suggested that I tread carefully in my new role and some of my work would eventually require her approval. Absolutely no part of my work would ever require her approval. I was caught like a deer in headlights at her catty approach, wondering who this person was. I'm stunned because this is unprovoked and we used to be friends. I'm trying to figure out, is this arrogance (she got a promotion) and alcohol, or is this opinion limited to her. I can't imagine how I could have got past HR, got my new role ( a really good salary) if I didn't get very positive feedback from my previous manager and her manager who I also worked with.

What matters the most to me is figuring out if this is just her, bitter opinion or is it more widespread. I'm thinking about perhaps should I ask for a private chat and get feedback either from my previous manager, or enquire discreetly with HR. I don't know.

Any thoughts? Have you been through something like this before?

I haven't been through something like this before myself but I think you address most of your concerns yourself here. They wouldn't have hired you without knowing you are right for the job. I wouldn't worry about this person unless it was directly hindering my work. Other than that just ignore the rubbish talk!

BabysCoffee

Don't give it a second thought and also don't go drinking with work colleagues again. I certainly wouldn't draw attention to anything negative with HR or your manager.
Put your head down and do a good job is the best way to get on here.

SirChenjin

Put it straight out of your head. Combination of drink talking and who knows what else going on with HER.

Congrats on the new role, and focus completely on that.

Glass fused light

NewsMeQuick wrote: »

I worked for the employer a while back for a short contract in another division.

.. made some wildly disparaging remarks about my work from my previous contract,

Were you given proper training and was there proper process and procedure written up with the last job.
Could be just her and drink
Could be that you were doings what you understood to be correct and your manager was ok with it but you should have been doing it a different way.
Could be that she is a control freak and if it not done exactly her way it's wrong.
Could be the old blame it on the guy who left and it was not your work that was a problem.

As a rule while you are contracting if you are drinking with work mates your still working so don't get into deep discussions until everyone is sober. You never know when or where people will pop up again.

I would not rehash what happened in the past, it's a new team and a new role. Just take the warning to get proper training, and documentation, check and confirm that the current manger is happy with how you are doing and what you are doing in the current job.

NewsMeQuick

Thanks a million. It's nice to get an outside view.

I found one more positive view on my work - I checked on the website and found that a completely new style of reporting which I proposed was taken up after I left - they would not have published my work if they disagreed with it.

Head down it is, and no more socialising.

tinpib

I would say to file it away in your brain but to continue on as if nothing happened. She revealed something to you that she shouldn't have, you have that information on her.

But absolutely don't make a big deal out of it.

Knowing how she feels and talks after scoops could benefit you in some way further down the line, it may not.

You, naturally, sound a little shocked now, but by Monday or a few days after, all will be fine again.

Glass fused light

NewsMeQuick wrote: »

Head down it is, and no more socialising.

No need to stop socialising, just remember that most co-workers are work friends you may form additional non-work bonds with some.
But even then the person may still be happy that they can run faster when being chased by a bear.;)

tinpib wrote: »

I would say to file it away in your brain but to continue on as if nothing happened. She revealed something to you that she shouldn't have, you have that information on her.

But absolutely don't make a big deal out of it.

Knowing how she feels and talks after scoops could benefit you in some way further down the line, it may not.

You, naturally, sound a little shocked now, but by Monday or a few days after, all will be fine again.

^^ good example of socialising in a professional capacity. One of the benefits of contracting is that you're not long term with the company so you can be friendly, polite and professional, without the need to emotionally invest in the office politics. But you need to be aware that some people can use it to their advantage, so be a sounding board not a tannoy.