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Kerry_75 · Newbie Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

This is something I’ve done twice, in both cases I was able to turn what I thought was an enemy into an ally. It would obviously depend on the situation. In my case I was working in sales at a middle management level. The responsibility for my team was mine, and the company was doing poorly. My team wasn’t performing so I was let go by someone whom I considered a mentor. Five years later I run into him again. At first it was uncomfortable, but I offered to buy him a drink and clear the air. He admitted to me that things continued to get worse after I left. I asked for a few pointers to what I could have done differently and he gave me some. There were some that were very hard to hear, but then I found myself in a similar situation some time after this and was able to use the advice to make the best of a bad situation.
During the second instance, I was able to shut down a whisper campaign set in motion by an ex-boss of mine by confronting him head on. I gave him a specific quote that was attributed to him and who he told it to. He denied the whole thing and, in order to save face, wrote a letter of recommendation for me as a gesture of good faith.

Randy · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:48 pm Post subject: Re: Resolving Past Grievances

My team wasn’t performing so I was let go by someone whom I considered a mentor. Five years later I run into him again. At first it was uncomfortable, but I offered to buy him a drink and clear the air. He admitted to me that things continued to get worse after I left. I asked for a few pointers to what I could have done differently and he gave me some. There were some that were very hard to hear, but then I found myself in a similar situation some time after this and was able to use the advice to make the best of a bad situation.

Any particular reason he didn't see fit to do that BEFORE letting you go?

During the second instance, I was able to shut down a whisper campaign set in motion by an ex-boss of mine by confronting him head on.

I noticed he was an "ex-boss". Ever try that with a current employer? Oh, that's great fun!

l_steele · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 6:15 pm Post subject:

People get fired for all sorts of odd reasons. I watched a supervisor fire someone for wearing a tie he didn’t like. The supervisor asked the guy never to wear the tie to work again; and everyone thought he was joking. The guy got fired the next day. We all started to update our resumes and checking with recruiters about new job openings. What do you have to lose? You could learn something that you can fix at a future date.

agp_30 · Newbie Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Posts: 4 Career Advice: +0/-0

Never burn your bridges. I always consider the possibility that I may either come across or have need of an ex-boss at some future date. It’s better to have a dialogue with an ex-boss than have problems that could haunt you later.

dlturner85 · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:43 pm Post subject: re:

The bottom line here is people are being reactive instead of proactive.
Noticing trends in performance can help you formulate a plan to prevent things like this in the future.
Whats going to get you fired?
Poor performance- costs the business too much money

failing to up hold policies- can lose some business, can get people hurt, costs

Not being able to get along with others- time, money, and lowers moral

The way you keep your job and even excell in your job is by trying to get better every day.

bilbo_30 · New User Joined: 26 Sep 2008 Posts: 9 Career Advice: +0/-0

Having a dialogue with a former boss can’t hurt. But I wouldn’t try following a path of “what really happened”. I’d ask them what they would say if they were contacted, THEN ask if they would say something neutral or positive instead if they appear negative. Explain that you are trying to move on in your career and have learned from your mistakes. It doesn’t matter who was right, what matters is getting at least a neutral reference that won’t hurt you later.

marauder_78 · New User Joined: 27 Sep 2008 Posts: 7 Career Advice: +0/-0

I absolutely agree about re-establishing contact. You should expect the awkward moment or two, but be professional and try working towards the big picture. I am guessing, from your tone, that you are looking to the future which is a good way to go.

camp_man · New User Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 8 Career Advice: +0/-0

Let’s not forget that people are often let go for something other than performance issues like politics, fit, change in strategy, budget issues or change in management.
There are more reasons than personality. Don’t assume the worst if the evidence is not there. Don’t push for answers. The ex-boss may not be able, or willing, to explain exactly what happened. If they can’t give you an answer, let it go and move on. Getting the reference and the networking opportunity is the main goal.

amanda_g · Newbie Joined: 11 Dec 2008 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

I was in something similar to you. I was able to move on shortly after being fired from my job. The way I handled it was to tell the truth at my interview and on my applications.

My recommendations – talk with someone who you are still friendly with from that position who still works there. Find out their opinion and see what has happened since you left.

lisa_g · Newbie Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

Just move on. If you were doing a good enough job and the manager who released you was replacing another manager, this is an acceptable issue. Many hiring people understand if there was a “change in leadership” which caused you to be let go. Stay positive and focused on accepting your accomplishments.

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