.....As regular DtB readers know, there’s been considerable discussion regarding my recent post about the classified forum (or whatever it was) at Irvine Valley College last Friday. During that meeting, a maintenance worker criticized Director of Maintenance, John Edwards. He noted Edwards’ temper, claimed people were afraid of him. He (I called him “Em”) also suggested that Edwards retaliated against him (for Em's criticisms, etc.) by reassigning him to the night shift......I’ve always found John to be friendly and reasonable, but that, of course, is compatible with Em’s complaints.
.....I did want to mention, in case you didn’t know, that John is widely credited with having vastly improved the state of maintenance on campus. I spoke with knowledgeable people today who were very clear on that point. Some also insisted that, prior to Edwards’ arrival (in maintenance), the maintenance staff were in desperate need of strong leadership, and, whatever his faults, John has provided that.
.....As near as I can tell, Edwards has a reputation among his colleagues as being thoughtful and even wise. He’s ex-military; he has that management “style.” Possibly, that alone creates some friction.
.....On the other hand, it is easy to hide problems where the workdays of employees are largely invisible and workers are unaccustomed to getting a spotlight shined on their woes. That’s why we feel obliged to take the complaints of a guy like Em seriously.
.....We’ll keep asking questions.
17 comments:
he is a dangerous man...
nice write up j.e.
Since Dtb is posting information about the "classified forum", let's get the record corrrect. The event was the Classsified Staff Development Retreat. It was a half-day event for the benefit of classified employees, hosted by Glenn Roquemore and attended by VP's Gwen Plano and Craig Justice.
The morning session was an open session Q&A where employees were allowed (and encouraged) to ask questions of the executive group.
The session included lunch and an afternoon development program called "Strengths Finder" which was presented by Dr. David Gatewood.
Mr. EM was completely out of line to raise personal issues at this venue, as this was meant to be a day of team building and camadarie for the classified employees, not a gripe session for someone to air
personnel/union/work schedule issues.
Is it pssible that both parties in this case are fine people and that each have a justifiable complaint and that each also has some faults?
Doesn't this perhaps just piont out that there are some real issues in communications?
People need to be able to believe their complaints are heard and taken seriously - and that are some kind of standards and good process - otherwise, well, this is what happens. It builds up and gets ugly. Too bad. Good people all around but dreadfully few with the talent to truly lead and listen. Too many male egos.
The facilities staff are afflicted with a serious case of "entitlement mentality syndrome".
If they're unhappy here, they should quit.
ooh - if "they're" unhappy, "they" should quit.
Some management style there.
There's part of the problem, loud and clear - and, I dare say, very male.
I think apologies might be do from all concerned...
And shouldn't the union be handling these kind od complaints as grievances? There is a process...
EM is a good worker, who like many us, has a lot going on in his life. Same as JE. Things happen and when they are not addressed, it just gets BAD. Everybody should get over without acting like we're still in the schoolyard. Leading by fear and revenge is no good - neither is working and gossiping either.
Anyone buy tickets for the big foundation dinner?
Has anyone who knows JE and maybe Em ever thought about trying to get them in one room to discuss it. From what I here certain Union reps at IVC can't be trusted according to many of the workers at IVC so what needs to be done. Maybe somebody should take the Bull by the horn and ask Em would he sit down and talk to JE and see if it can be settled and done and done with.
I agree with that its sounds like in
unprofessional remark saying they should quit and I'm not Female
The union needs to get a rep/officer/g chair who can deal with JE. It's not fair for those of us who have him as as supe.
Well you want to here the truth some of Anthony's problems with ordering supplies was because John coming from AR and having no experience in ordering custodian supplies would hinder Anthony by cutting the orders short. Who would know better than Anthony coming from that type of back ground.
9:23 bingo, cats out of the bag, dont forget the grounds orders that werent ordered either
9:23 I guess Anthony Rodgers had experience in ordering supplies, but he did'nt know how to count? What happened to the fourty eight cases of toilet paper that went missing, he even file a police report on it to protect his butt!! He counted the cases of toilet paper in the morning and eight hours latter "voila" they disapear... p.s. maybe he to them to Saddleback
I feel bad for Edwards. He has to deal with the most diverse employees on campus, some are whackos and I don't know who the hell hire them. Some are plain lazy and Just don't like to work. We have to admit, the school does look great. The four man grounds crew kicks butt and hardly ever get a thank you. I thanked them all the time but, I can't say the same for the custodial crew, there are some, not all, that are a waste of money and benefits the district spends on them. The maintenance workers are extremely happy with their new boss. Probably the best move John's made as M&O manager. Only problem is what's going to happen with the old M&O boss? He's inept . Good luck to John and Mr Em .
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