Horrible Work Environment

[Snowa]

I am seeing a pretty terrible work environment where senior NCO are constantly making inappropriate remarks about their subordinates behind their backs, in front of other subordinates. This includes name calling, or making fun of them for various reasons.

We all tell each other what is being said, and this is pretty demoralizing for all of us. This has caused such an incredible mistrust within the work environment, knowing that your senior NCO don't care about you at all, and are not watching out for you. It is a small group, so that makes things worse.

Up to now, I have been very fortunate to have senior NCO that I know will watch out for me and my career. I  know that they were making sure I had everything I needed, and would point out the right direction for my career when needed.

Right now, I am stuck in a position where I don't trust my NCO at all. I know I cannot trust them, because they talk crap behind the backs of their almost all their subordinates. Minus the few that they have known for a long time. I also know that they have no interest in my career, and are doing nothing to help it.

Has anyone here been in this bad situation? What did you do to fix it? Or is it something you have to ride out until you find somewhere else
to go?

 

[daftandbarmy]

I am seeing a pretty terrible work environment where senior NCO are constantly making inappropriate remarks about their subordinates behind their backs, in front of other subordinates. This includes name calling, or making fun of them for various reasons.

We all tell each other what is being said, and this is pretty demoralizing for all of us. This has caused such an incredible mistrust within the work environment, knowing that your senior NCO don't care about you at all, and are not watching out for you. It is a small group, so that makes things worse.

Up to now, I have been very fortunate to have senior NCO that I know will watch out for me and my career. I  know that they were making sure I had everything I needed, and would point out the right direction for my career when needed.

Right now, I am stuck in a position where I don't trust my NCO at all. I know I cannot trust them, because they talk crap behind the backs of their almost all their subordinates. Minus the few that they have known for a long time. I also know that they have no interest in my career, and are doing nothing to help it.

Has anyone here been in this bad situation? What did you do to fix it? Or is it something you have to ride out until you find somewhere else
to go?

Have you:

a) talked to your boss about it, or
b) talked to your boss' boss about it?

 

[Jorkapp]

From DAOD 5012-0,

Harassment is any improper conduct by an individual that is directed at and offensive to another person or persons in the workplace, and that the individual knew or ought reasonably to have known would cause offence or harm. It comprises any objectionable act, comment or display that demeans, belittles or causes personal humiliation or embarrassment, and any act of intimidation or threat. It includes harassment within the meaning of the Canadian Human Rights Act  (CHRA).

If you feel that what you and your coworkers are undergoing, go have a chat with your Unit Harassment Advisor.

 

[chris_log]

Record what is happening and ask to go see your platoon commander/officer in charge. Just make sure you have evidence to back up what you're accusing them of. 

 

[Eye In The Sky]

Record what is happening and ask to go see your platoon commander/officer in charge. Just make sure you have evidence to back up what you're accusing them of.

I think first it would be prudent to get some more detailed info.  I say that because:

1.  We don't know the rank of the OP.
2.  The term "Senior NCO" is often misused to include MCpls (Jr NCOs) and WOs (which are not Senior NCOs, they are just that, Warrant Officers.

if the problem is with a MCpl, or a Sgt, I think the WO should be given the opportunity to do his/her job and sort it out...the key to solving these situations (IMO) is that is it done at the lowest level possible. 

Snowa,

I also would advise you to use caution about what you post here...remember this is an open forum (public) website, and you are making allegations against superiors here. 

Although I am a qualified HA, I don't know enough of your situation to give you any advice.  If you want to PM me, feel free.  If you do, do not include actual member or unit names please. 

 

[chris_log]

I think first it would be prudent to get some more detailed info.  I say that because:

1.  We don't know the rank of the OP.
2.  The term "Senior NCO" is often misused to include MCpls (Jr NCOs) and WOs (which are not Senior NCOs, they are just that, Warrant Officers.

if the problem is with a MCpl, or a Sgt, I think the WO should be given the opportunity to do his/her job and sort it out...the key to solving these situations (IMO) is that is it done at the lowest level possible. 

110% agreed.

If the problem is indeed with some at the MCpl level, then the WO/MWO (depending on where you work) is often the best way to deal with the issue. I got the impression he was talking about people at the Sgt/WO level. I can understand that from a young Pte/Cpl's perspective going over your Sgt/WO in a situation like this (going on what little we know) is a daunting thought. That being said, officers are (or at least should be) available for their troops to come in and express concerns that they are uncomfortable passing up through the senior NCO's. I have an open door policy (although I don't really have many people 'under (I hate that term) me) and I expect the NCM's/NCO's to be honest with me and not feel the need to 'officer-ize' what they're saying to me.

It is, however, imperative that one has both solid evidence and a good understanding of what is going on versus what they perceive is going on.

It would be nice to get some more details (with no names, locations, units etc) so better advice can be given by those with experience in these matters. Is the OP on course or working at a unit? 

 

[Fishbone Jones]

I am seeing a pretty terrible work environment where senior NCO are constantly making inappropriate remarks about their subordinates behind their backs, in front of other subordinates. This includes name calling, or making fun of them for various reasons.

We all tell each other what is being said, and this is pretty demoralizing for all of us. This has caused such an incredible mistrust within the work environment, knowing that your senior NCO don't care about you at all, and are not watching out for you. It is a small group, so that makes things worse.

Up to now, I have been very fortunate to have senior NCO that I know will watch out for me and my career. I  know that they were making sure I had everything I needed, and would point out the right direction for my career when needed.

Right now, I am stuck in a position where I don't trust my NCO at all. I know I cannot trust them, because they talk crap behind the backs of their almost all their subordinates. Minus the few that they have known for a long time. I also know that they have no interest in my career, and are doing nothing to help it.

Has anyone here been in this bad situation? What did you do to fix it? Or is it something you have to ride out until you find somewhere else
to go?

It's not right, as has been said. However, let's not forget these things are very seldom one sided. Much smack talk also flows from the subordinates about their superiors. Most times, everyone should take a cold, impersonal look at themselves in the mirror before they try to character assassinate someone and blame others for all their own, or their groups, shortcomings. Another point to ponder is the fact that individuals seldom know all the complete facts of both sides of the dynamic before forming an ill conceived opinion. The type of opinion that will land them in very hot water, should they decide to express it, in the wrong venue, without a clear understanding of the incident(s).