Whatever you do, don't challenge your boss’ authority. Indicate at all times that you want only to continue your working relationship because you value your job and your boss’ guidance, and you want that relationship to improve. Explain how much you value your job and try hard to do it well. Point out your good work record, if you have one. Explain that you would never intentionally do anything against the company's interest.
Do not blame anyone else even if you really believe someone else is at fault; there is no way such an accusation can benefit you. Only talk about yourself, how you want to do the job well, and that you regret the situation that took place. Ask what you can do to improve things so that the same situation doesn't happen again.
Don't give your boss any reason to get angry. Don't tell your boss why you think he or she is doing this or did this . . . let your boss have a graceful way out rather than backing the boss into a corner.
It is possible this could backfire, as could anything you do to try to fix the situation. For example, if you go to the boss’ supervisor or to personnel, your boss may become angry and lash out at you even more. However, if you approach your boss with respect (even if you don't feel it) and your boss overreacts, then you can go to your boss’ boss or personnel after that. And when you do, be respectful and use the same approach.
Whatever you do, follow up with a note thanking the boss (or HR, or whomever you spoke with) for hearing you out. Repeat that you want to do a good job and regret that this situation took place. Keep a photocopy of the note.
Perhaps your boss or the company will see you in a more favorable light after this. Even if this doesn’t save your job, it may prevent the employer from fighting a claim for unemployment and may even result in a good job reference.
Yes, I know it's annoying to have to do something like this when you didn't do anything wrong, but as I mentioned above, an employer doesn't even need a reason to fire you. And as we all know, the current economy is pretty tough, and we all need to keep our jobs.
I hope you can resolve your situation and wish you the best.
Marilynn Mika Spencer San Diego Employment / Labor Attorney
Posted almost 14 years ago.
(continued from Answer above)
Whatever you do, don't challenge your boss’ authority. Indicate at all times that you want only to continue your working relationship because you value your job and your boss’ guidance, and you want that relationship to improve. Explain how much you value your job and try hard to do it well. Point out your good work record, if you have one. Explain that you would never intentionally do anything against the company's interest.
Do not blame anyone else even if you really believe someone else is at fault; there is no way such an accusation can benefit you. Only talk about yourself, how you want to do the job well, and that you regret the situation that took place. Ask what you can do to improve things so that the same situation doesn't happen again.
Don't give your boss any reason to get angry. Don't tell your boss why you think he or she is doing this or did this . . . let your boss have a graceful way out rather than backing the boss into a corner.
It is possible this could backfire, as could anything you do to try to fix the situation. For example, if you go to the boss’ supervisor or to personnel, your boss may become angry and lash out at you even more. However, if you approach your boss with respect (even if you don't feel it) and your boss overreacts, then you can go to your boss’ boss or personnel after that. And when you do, be respectful and use the same approach.
Whatever you do, follow up with a note thanking the boss (or HR, or whomever you spoke with) for hearing you out. Repeat that you want to do a good job and regret that this situation took place. Keep a photocopy of the note.
Perhaps your boss or the company will see you in a more favorable light after this. Even if this doesn’t save your job, it may prevent the employer from fighting a claim for unemployment and may even result in a good job reference.
Yes, I know it's annoying to have to do something like this when you didn't do anything wrong, but as I mentioned above, an employer doesn't even need a reason to fire you. And as we all know, the current economy is pretty tough, and we all need to keep our jobs.
I hope you can resolve your situation and wish you the best.