Why do people have to act like azzholes??? I got into a heated discussion with an Executive in my company. To keep it simple, this exec asked me for a VoIP phone, which is typically reserved only for our remote workers. He works locally in my office and has a deskphone, so I declined his request. I declined his request because;

1. VoIP licenses are not cheap.
2. His position in the company do not mean anything to me as I am responsible for all of our technology needs and budgets and I don't play favourtism.
3. No one in my company possesses both a desk phone and a VoIP phone, including the CEO.
4. He provided no justification why he needed both phones.

This Exec was only hired about two months ago and it seems like he is trying to make a name for himself. Yeah, one of those guys. Anyways, after being completely rude to both myself and my staff, I held my ground and he didn't get the VoIP phone. I got a snarky email from him at the end of the day and simply responded with "Have a great weekend"

Why do some people have to be such arrogant @ssholes in the workplace? Everyone in a company is supposed to be on the SAME team, right?

 

Reply. "Give me a call, my VoIP phone number is xxx-xxxx"

 

Just office politics, many ppl feel the need to be "above" others. U will get this everywhere u go, not just office jobs. It seems like the more rude u are the further u get these days...

Dont feel bad, u have the power in this case...

 

Excellent work Shane. You can never be faulted for taking a company line that is policy and very reasonable considering there is no extenuating circumstances.

Your response is actually a very good message to send to others throughout the company and for your boss to take note off (if it gets out through the culprit). It reflects well on you and poorly for his inappropriate behavior and even more juvenile email response.

Save that email for future reference and documentation. No doubt it will be handy at some point. I used to make copious dated notes in a special diary on important meetings or confrontations like that. It served me well through the years and seemed to reduce those sorts of incidents or selective memories by some.

 

+2000, you done good Shane. Calmly stand your ground and remain professional in your dealings. Btw, welcome to Management.

 

Actually, I have found Management to be very rewarding so far........but maybe if you ask me that in a few years I might not have the same outlook.

I just hate people that try and use their stature in an organization to get what they want, even if it doesn't make financial or technological sense. I think that certain employees in my company hasn't adjusted to me yet as the person previous to me was a "yes person" to everything whether it made sense or not. They don't seem to be used to someone pushing back and asking why the need the things they are asking for.

 

Sounds like you did right. He has every right to make the request but since it's not a service you are expected to provide and considering the costs involved he should at the very least provide some justification for why he needs the phone. Until he provides justification, why should you be expected to consider providing the service?

It probably would be a good idea to keep a copy of the email that he sent you.

 

take away his desk phone and tell him to send emails, so you don't have to listen to him =]

 

You can't blame people for trying...

 

LOL

 

I'm sure you have and doubt you will ever change your mind. I worked in management for 22 of my 27 years in the corporate world and couldn't imagine anything else. I couldn't stand people trying to leverage their position as well.

Your last statement is the sign of being a good decision maker and efficient manager. It won't be long before word gets out and you'll have few challengers in the future.

 

There will always be those types of asshats around Shane.
I agree with the others, ...you handled it perfectly.

 

LOL, now there is an idea!

 

or give him the VOIP phone one day as a gift.. then deduct the cost from his paycheck every other week =]

 

I like that one too. Most days I wish I was the one with out a phone.