I Sank Your Battleship

There's a new guy at work who, in my opinion and a few others, isn't doing his best for him to be the new guy.

He's been here for over a month and he's already taken days off, broken minor (which could lead to potentially major) rules and doesn't use the best tone of voice to voice his opinion.

My job requires that the first 2 weeks or so be dedicated to reading, watching and listening to boring procedures and orientations in a small, hot room. Just like all of us, he wanted to get out of this room, which we call 'The Torture Chamber', and decided to let the manager know this by pouting and giving her 'the puppy dog eyes'. Of course she didn't go for it.

Since I got promoted I get to spend a little extra time with the manager and I hear her view on things that's been happening around the office.

In response to the new guy not wanting to read the manuals and how he's been (trying to) cut corners, she says, "I really think he should read the policy manual; that way he'll know why he's getting fired'.

I thought her comment was a little too blunt, but on the other hand she had a very valid point.

Too many times people at this job take the relaxed vibe too far then wonder why they're getting warned or written up.

Because I thought the comment was too funny to keep to myself I decided to tell the co-worker that started the same day as I did. We shared some laughs, he made some comments on the new guys behavior and we kept it moving.

In our staff meeting today the new guy was encouraged to participate in the meeting by reading a snippet from the manual. This was after he was caught playing with his phone and eating, neither of which can be done at that time.

Before he reads it, he says,'Read the policy and procedure? Oh. Yeah. So I'll know why I'm getting fired'.

I put a confused smirk on my face but I was really very embarrassed and upset.

I was upset because my words were not only repeated in he office but told to the person they were about. And I was embarrassed because I'm vying for my manager's trust so I can be recommended for another promotion in a few months.

Running my mouth with an off hand comment was not the best thing to do if I want to be trusted with potentially sensitive information.

As good as it felt to let someone else in on the joke, I have to keep in mind the possible long term benefit of laughing to myself because in the end, if I don't get the job the joke might be on me.