Jacquetta stands outside my office with her laptop open in her arms. I check my phone. It’s 7:55. I’m early. She catches everything, so I don’t roll my eyes. I plaster on my signature HR smile instead.
“Good morning!”
“Lily, we have two mediations to get through this morning.”
I don’t work when I’m off, so I haven’t had a chance to look at my calendar. I was going to do that when I got into my office. Seems there’s no need when my boss is my walking calendar.
“Okay, let me get my stuff set down, and I’ll read the paperwork.”
She pulls some papers out of her bag and thrusts them at me. “I printed it out. One is at 8:30 and the other is at 9. And we have a departmental meeting at 9:30.”
I have thirty minutes?
I press my lips together and nod. She’s not going to let me get a word in.
“Great! I’ll see you at 9:30.”
The best part of this job is the view from my office. Lark Hill Park is right outside my window. I get to see people jogging, all the plants and flowers, and the occasional animal out when no one else is around.
Everything else can go. Especially Jacquetta Matthews.
The first file is for Lacey and Shannon. Lacey’s been here before with a few other coworkers. She loves a grievance. She doesn’t need HR so much as she needs a therapist.
“Thank you for coming in. I’m Lily. My goal is to understand both of your concerns and find a resolution both of you are happy with. I will listen, take note, ask questions, and hopefully find the root of the issue you’re having.”
We sit at the small round table in my office. I make eye contact with each woman before continuing.
“So, from the statement I received, Lacey, you’re feeling like Shannon bypassed you on the Peterson project. Is that correct?”
“Iwasbypassed. Shannon emailed me once, on the day I was out of the office. And then she finished the whole thing without my input. I had a whole report done and a lot to contribute. Now my name is on her mediocre work.” She sits back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest.
Okay.
When I first started in HR, everyone could read my emotions on my face. Neutral facial expressions come naturally to me now. I have to turn them off when I’m not at work. They came in handy too.
I blink that thought away and turn to Shannon.
“First of all, Peterson loved all of the ideas in the presentation. ‘Mediocre’ made us money. So, you’re welcome. Second, this was an urgent assignment. And I don’t like to wait. I didn’t know you were off the day I emailed you. I waited a few hours for a response. When you didn’t respond, I got it done.”
I look between the two women. “Have either of you shared this information with the other?”
“I don’t talk to Lacey like that.” Shannon frowns and shrugs.
I look at Lacey. She shakes her head.
“So you both assumed the other knew all of this?”
They’re both silent.
“So, what I’m hearing is a breakdown of communication. Lacey, vacation responders help so much with letting people know you’re out. It’s not just for when you’ll be gone for two weeks.”
Lacey looks away, and Shannon grins.
“A follow-up email is professional courtesy too, Shannon. If you’re on a team, the team needs to be included.”
That grin falls off Shannon’s face. Both sides usually have some blame in these types of situations. It just takes an outside source (me) to point it out.
“Congratulations on pleasing Peterson. Even if one person did the work, both your names are on it. Next time, communicate. If it’s important, say it clearly.”
