Forum: workplace.stackexchange.com
Tags: <professionalism><manager><termination>
Title: Manager told a colleague of mine I was getting fired soon
Question: My line manager has told one of my colleagues that I am going to be fired soon.    This manager has already been verbally warned about undermining me and spreading malicious untrue rumors' about me and things I apparently said, which cause major arguments within the team. I have plenty of witnesses who can vouch for the fact he has been trying to drive me out.  Is this misconduct on his part?

Answers:
sents: text: Is this misconduct on his part?
text: Surely he shouldn't be saying that.. Don't know if "misconduct" is the word but surely this is something unprofessional to do.
text: However, I fear that the point here is that you were hinted that you may be getting fired soon, so I would be preparing my resume and start applying to jobs ASAP .
answer_details: author: workplace.stackexchange.com/users/73791/DarkCygnus
score: 120
sents: text: Is this misconduct on his part?
text: Yes , it is.
text: He most certainly should not be discussing that with his subordinates.
text: But at this point does it matter for you ?
text: Surely you will be fired regardless if the information being shared with you
text: is accurate ...
text: My advise to you would be to ask your line manager directly , without revealing your source.
text: If you are not 100% comfortable with the response given, then it is time to find a new job immediately .
text: Based on the OP's comment below, I would look for a new job regardless of what is said ASAP .
answer_details: author: workplace.stackexchange.com/users/61096/Neo
score: 40
sents: text: While I agree with some of the other answers that depending on the situation it would be wise to start looking for other work opportunities, I would like to address another point that you have in your question.
text: Keep in mind
text: this will depend on your organization's culture and structure, so you will have to judge that for yourself.
text: You say he has been verbally warned about spreading rumors about you.
text: If this was from his boss, he may very well not have the authority to fire you.
text: If you report this to the people who reprimanded him, there is a possibility that he will be the one who is let go, or one of you will be moved to another department.
text: If he is clearly out of line, and has a history of similar behavior that is not accepted from his superiors, then it may be in your best interest to report this to them.
answer_details: author: workplace.stackexchange.com/users/69104/さりげない告白
score: 27
sents: text: Is this misconduct on his part?
text: Surely he shouldn't be saying that.. This all depends on whether or not your colleague will be taking on your responsibilities after you are let go.
text: I have seen many cases where managers will speak to employees directly affected by a firing before the soon to be fired knows.
text: Sometimes it is to get ahead on knowledge transfer while other times the colleague has a more direct role in your firing ( e.g. they are tasked with locking your account ).
text: Now, if your manager simply told a colleague and your being fired has no direct effect on them
text: I would agree that it is definitely unprofessional behavior.
text: Regardless, you should polish up your resume and start looking for a new place to work.
answer_details: author: workplace.stackexchange.com/users/93810/sf02
score: 3
sents: text: Yup, totally unprofessional and in many cases consideration for constructive dismissal - in that he expects you to find out and resign, saving the company the trouble of firing you or his personal preference to get rid of you without any means of firing you.
text: So, start keeping a diary of all the times he has been like this, all the things you've heard or been told.
text: Then go to HR with this evidence (even if it feels circumstantial and hearsay to you) and demand something be done to stop it now, and stop it in the future.
text: Take someone with you to act as a witness, and HR will understand you are serious (and they also give you "got your back" support that really helps deal with a HR who will want you to just go away and stop giving them a hard time) HR will instantly recognise this as a serious legal problem for them, and their job of protecting the company will ensure they deal with it
text: (this applies even if you have no intention of going down the legal sue-the-company route, just leave that hint hanging)
text: Working in a place where your manage is undermining you will cause a great deal of stress, you don't need that.
text: Don't think it'll sort itself out, it'll only get worse if unchecked.
answer_details: author: workplace.stackexchange.com/users/769/gbjbaanb
score: 1

Summary of the answers:
This is a very unprofessional thing to do and could be considered for constructive dismissal.
Most people would agree that this is highly unprofessional, but it is unclear whether this amounts to misconduct or not. Some people may even see it as reasonable grounds for dismissal.