Campfire

[SoCalGalcas]

Kathy, that is exciting!!! Glad you were persistent!!! Lyn

[SoCalGalcas]

It must be me...all the Beth stories and Ka thy stories are. Mixed I together!?!?!?
I just wanted to add, many ,many years ago I had a job as a newspaper supervisor. The company would deliver papers to my home, then I would take them out to the carriers homes for them to deliver to the customers. My job then was to drive around and see if the papers were on the door steps. Well, one day I heard that one of my delivery boys had dumped his papers down the sewer drain... I checked and sure enough there they were, down in the drain? I went to the boys home and fired him right then. Oh boy...were all the neighborhood kids mad at me!!! Other than the neighborhood kids, I never heard a word from anyone else. His parents were friends of mine too! Lyn

[Bethers]

If there's any cake left, I'll have a 2nd piece. I just love happy stories - and want to see pictures - lots of them!

As to my dilemma, I wimped out today. And I had everything typed and printed out, too. But at the start of the day, which I knew was going to be very hectic, I just made a few comments that I needed them to follow my instructions and my instructions were God (LOL) and gave tasks. Then when things really got going today, they do know what to do, and worked their butts off. When MY manager came in later (I had emailed him this weekend that he might come in to find me by myself) he told me he has my back, if/when the time happens.

I feel pretty good about what I did - or didn't do - at this time. And a couple times during the day I made comments to both of them about things that have been unacceptable, just not in an official written document. I'm sure they know how I was feeling, and neither of them attempted to leave early today - and neither took long breaks. In fact, at one point they told me I had to take a break. Of course, I ate standing at the computer lol ... but too much to get done.

Tomorrow should be a calm before the storm of Wednesday - so might have them cover the store and come home a couple hours early myself - at least one of them stay just in case vendors come in, etc... Wed and Thurs will be crazy, Friday we open - and I'll be working 12 hour days through Sunday - so cross your fingers that I get through this next week - and then things should start settling down.

Thank you all again for having my back ... and listening to me vent ...

[snowball]

think I'll have a piece of that cake as well...thanks Cake Lady
decided that since I'd heard squealing a couple of times was time to have the
breaks checked...good thing I did it's up at the shop front breaks and a u joint...
I swear if I could afford payments I'd go find a different truck!!! but he said the back
breaks were good and the other ujoints were good...plan on still leaving to go to
Idaho tomorrow if it looks like it will be too late will wait but won't know until tomorrow
have about 300 miles to go think my daughter brought me back so I could get some of the
stuff done so what did we do but sit and visit which was good...then youngest and her family
stopped by for a few left me a piece of cake but brakes and U Joint deserves two slices don't you think?
Some times the indirect approach works as well Beth...we will hope so..
glad you were able to find your new rig Kathy enjoy it
sheila

[dayspring39]

So glad things went a bit better for you Beth... please keep us informed...
A manager once told me the best way to get someone to follow directions was like a sandwich top layer (bread) compliment, middle layer (thin slice of meat) direction or criticism, bottom layer (bread) compliment... the compliments are thicker and soften the ears & heart & mind then they are open to what ever it is that you need them to do... and the bottom layer is again thicker...
I found this was an easy way to get someone on the right track when I was a manager... that seems like so long ago!

[linann]

As to my dilemma, I wimped out today. And I had everything typed and printed out, too.

Beth, I would start with a verbal discussion (warning), not comments made throughout the day, but a real sit down talk. Move to a written warning if the problem continues. I've worked in HR for 35 years and the attorneys have always recommended a verbal warning, followed by two written before terming. That said, you are in a small organization, not a big one and have years of management experience. Having the owner backing you is great, and he probably does not expect you to follow such formal rules. He wants you to take care of things and make it happen.

Make it clear to these two exactly what is expected and that you are confident they will do a great job. They will probably fall in line since you said they need the jobs and they did work hard. If it doesn't work out, you can always hire replacements. Enjoy your summer!

[Bethers]

Actually, in SD you cannot fire people for certain reasons (sex, nationality, etc) but you can fire with NO reason. From the states labor laws:

Although there are some exceptions, employment relationships in South Dakota may be 'terminated at will,' which means an employer does not need a specific reason to fire an employee.

I have owned and managed businesses for years (until 2005 when I took off on the road). I had to do verbal and written warnings throughout all that time. My verbal talks now, are sufficient - although I will give both at least one verbal, if not written, warning before I fire one or the other - should it come to that. In other words, I'll give them the option to do as Sandi suggested - shape up, first. I have a feeling when I have a talk with the one, she'll leave immediately. One of the vendors actually complained about one yesterday - and then complained again later saying he would have fired her just from what he observed yesterday!

All this said, I love the couple who started today - who already saw what was going on with the other two!

[monik7]

I was hoping things would be going better after your post on Monday and saying the two worked hard. I'm concerned now since your post last night stating that a vendor complained about them and that the new couple also noticed the problem. Complaints coming from outside are especially troublesome and it sounds like things are not getting better. In fact, worse if those not connected with the operation are so upset by them that they state they would have fired them. I guess I'm worried these two are taking advantage of you and I don't like that. But you're the one there and seeing things first-hand. You say you've mentioned things to them throughout the day. But if they're ticking off vendors and soon customers, something needs to be done. If you haven't done it yet, I think at the next problem, the written warning should come immediately. Or, if you've had enough, terminate! Again, good luck and I hope all works out well for you so you can focus on other things.
Sandi

[dpf]

Dang...if only it were next summer! I'd work!

[Bethers]

Dang...if only it were next summer! I'd work!

If I come back next summer, I'll hold you to this!

[linann]

[quote="Bethers"]Actually, in SD you cannot fire people for certain reasons (sex, nationality, etc) but you can fire with NO reason. From the states labor laws:

Although there are some exceptions, employment relationships in South Dakota may be 'terminated at will,' which means an employer does not need a specific reason to fire an employee.[quote]

All states recognize at-will employment, but some have limitations or exemptions. Employers can invalidate their at-will status by how they refer to a position, their written policies, or if they give the person a contract or an offer letter that implies a contract of employment. Federal legislation supercedes state and local legislation and the U.S. Department of Labor enforces more than 180 labor laws.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act ('64) covers the reasons you mentioned. Employees can file a complaint under this law if they are in one of the covered categories. An example is an employee files a complaint with the EEOC that she was terminated because she is over 40. If the EEOC follows-up, the burden of proof falls on the employer to prove it is not true. That is why it is wise to document discussions and verbal warnings, even if you do not tell the person why they are terminated.

[bikerchic777]

Sandi...Did you not get my PM and message on the Joshua Tree thread? Did you ever make it to Joshua Tree?

I lost my post, the other day, and got frustrated. Trying again. I made it to my summer home in Napa, CA Had my worst day on the road, so far I stopped to visit my DS and her DH, in Sacramento, for a couple of nights. Before I left, my DBIL and I checked my tire pressures on Myrtle. One of my inside duallies was flat. He went down to the Pilot with me. It was a nail and they patched it up for $52 These truck stops are a rip, but it was Sunday and they got me in. I told them that I was pulling a car on a tow dolly and couldn't back up, so they had me pull in bay 3. When it was time to pull out, they said I had to back out. They thought I could, but Penny kept trying to turn. They all helped me take her off and the tow dolly off, so I could maneuver around. Got all hooked back up and off to the gas pump. My DBIL is a trucker and said I could turn left out of the pump and walked away. Should have gone with my instincts to go straight and around....BUT NO!!! Caught the fire extinguisher box with Myrtle's tail light and the kayak, on the ladder. Two guys came running out. They didn't seem too upset and took my phone number, but never heard a thing. The tire on the tow dolly was up against the island, so everyone agreed to just pull it up and over. My DBIL said he didn't hear Myrtle shift into gear, so I shifted to what I thought was 1st gear. After I got on the interstate, she didn't sound right. I looked down and the gear indicator said it was in 2nd, so I shifted to D and killed it. Yep! No power steering or anything. I turned on my emergency flashers and eased it over to the small section of shoulder, ahead. I thought I was going to have to get a tow truck. When I tried to put her in park, the shifter wouldn't go that far...only to R. I turned the key and it did start up, so I figured out that everything is now over one position. I continued on, with that knowledge. Went to the U-Haul in Winters to return the tow dolly. No place to pull in, so I had to do a UPS maneuver and stop on the street and put on my flashers. The gal working there said she couldn't accept the tow dolly. WHAT??? I couldn't believe it She kept asking me who said I could take it there. I kept telling her nobody told me to take it there, specifically, but to whatever dealer was close to where I was going. She said she isn't an authorized dealer for tow dollies. I suggested she get someone who is to come get it from her. She said she doesn't know how to take it off, nor have anywhere to put it. GREAT!!! I asked her where she suggested I take it. She said Vacaville, so I asked her where I could get turned around. She didn't even know that! Turned on the GPS and went for it. I called one of the three dealerships in Vacaville and finally got somewhere! They said they would take it and help me take it off, if I got there before closing. Thank God it wasn't far, because that sucker was heavy. I could have got it off, but not pulled it around. They let me leave Penny there for the night and I continued on to the ranch. Was kinda glad to not have a toad on these crazy mountain roads. Cars and big trucks going too fast and crossing the center line. White knuckle driving in an RV. I pulled over, on several turnouts, for people to pass me. Finally made it here! The mgr came up to the gate and guided me in and topped off my propane and showed me to my site. He left me and Rick to figure out how to park on it. I finally decided and Rick guided me...right under a wire! These men Luckily, it was only an old phone cable. Got all situated. Apparently, the mgr and Rick had to rob some parts from another electrical box to fix mine, so I could have power. This place is, like Rick puts it, ramshackle It's amazing that it is in such a high dollar area...wine country, for Pete's sake...yet, it's an old, run down place. I did get a fellow workamper to help me clear the leaves and tall grass out from behind Myrtle, and bring me a couple of loads of gravel to fill it in, back there. It's actually not bad, now, but still have an abandoned mobile home in front of me, that really should be hauled out of here. The mgr said he's trying to sell it. I went in it, today, and I don't think you could give it away

Nobody came by to talk to me about work, so I finally texted the mgr, today. He said to meet up with Allison, tomorrow, at the lodge. Rick and I rode around in a golf cart, this evening, so I could see the whole place. We stopped to visit with the mgr and his wife. They seem pretty happy that I'm here to work in activities. I hope it's a bit more organized than everything else around here! We'll see.

Need to decide if I want to keep Penny, and buy a tow dolly, or sell her and buy something with a standard transmission. Wondering if the previous owners didn't follow the proper procedure, when towing. The drive shaft mechanic said he wouldn't tow Penny four down. Said the transmission probably isn't getting lubed enough, when towing. This sucks! That's why I bought her! I also have to get that gear thing adjusted, on Myrtle, sometime.

[JudyJB]

Sorry you had such a rough drive--too many men giving you bad directions and bad advice!!!

I know those roads to that lake area, and they are bad enough in a car. Hope tomorrow is better. I'll be in Napa just before Christmas, but I imagine your job ends before then. (My son and his family live there.)

[BarbaraRose]

Wow Linda! I need a good stiff drink just reading about that! Sorry you went thru all that. Hope things get better for you soon!

[bikerchic777]

Wow Linda! I need a good stiff drink just reading about that! Sorry you went thru all that. Hope things get better for you soon!

As a matter of fact, Rick got me a beer, right away
Judy...I will be here until the week after Labor Day, but if your travels find you out here, sooner, I'd love to gtg!

Took a drive into Winters, today. Stopped at several points along the way, to check out the river, mainly. Stopped at a marina that had a tourist info sign. A real nice young man, named Austin, was very helpful with ideas of places to go. Checked out a county campground and day use area. Stopped at a farm stand, but wasn't impressed. Did my laundry at a laundromat. We're supposed to get money to do laundry, but there is only one washer and dryer. Not sure, yet, if they'll only pay if we do it here. After laundry, I went into the little historical downtown area. Talked to a nice gal on the street and asked her where I could get a good bite to eat. She was also very helpful, so I also asked her where to buy local honey. She said she thought she just saw some in Ace Hardware I thanked her for being so helpful and she said she loves helping people. I checked at Ace and, sure enough, they had the honey. It was pretty pricey, but I bought some. Hope I can find some cheaper, around here. I walked over to the bar she recommended and had a great beer and tostadas. It was also pricey, but it had some charm. Visited with a gal that came in and sat at the table next to me. Her DD and SIL arrived and it turns out that they sell the honey I had just bought We exchanged cards and they told me that they're at the Napa farmer's market on Sat and Tues. Hoping I can make it on a Tues, since I work weekends. Stopped at the local IGA market and got some eggs and yogurt, on sale, and headed for home, before it got dark. It was a nice, relaxing day.

I met Allison, yesterday. She has worked here for 9 years, I think she said. It will be nice to work with someone who knows what's going on. She's not a workamper, but lives a half hour drive from here. Rick brought me a newsletter and it has the activities schedule. Looks like she plans a bit much on the holiday weekends. Curious how it all gets covered. No wonder she was so happy that I'm here and willing to work full time. I start tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

Beth....I hope things are working out with your employees! I really should have gone with you. We'd be gettin' 'er done!