Acting Supervisor Dragged To Filth Online For Snitching On New Employee

"I feel terrible and am wondering if I made a mistake."

The world we live in is a dicey one. Despite our desire to believe that we are cooperative and civilized creatures, the reality is that we are predisposed to prioritize our own needs, even if it involves snitching on our neighbors.

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It is depressing to think that instead of trying to collaborate and support one another's success, we are so eager to criticize each other. Our society fosters a "dog-eat-dog" mindset, as we are always comparing ourselves to others in an effort to improve and advance.

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It doesn't have to be this way, and Redditors in today's story made it clear. The OP works in before- and after-school care.

She is the assistant supervisor at the site, and besides her and the supervisor, there's only one other employee at their site named Rod. OP's boss, Sheri, is a very strict woman, and she warned Rod after he showed up a couple of minutes late for work one day.

Sheri had to be out of town for a family-related issue, and the OP stood in for her. Rod showed up late again the morning Sheri was gone, and she pardoned him.

Rod sheepishly asked the OP not to mention his lateness to Sheri. The OP assured him he was safe and that it would stay between them, but she did the complete opposite.

Read the full story as you scroll down below. 

The OP writes

The OP writesReddit/Kidcarethrow
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She actually has gained a reputation in the district for her strictness, to the point that very few want to work with her.

She actually has gained a reputation in the district for her strictness, to the point that very few want to work with her.Reddit/Kidcarethrow
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Understanding the Consequences of Workplace Gossip

Dr. Julia Banks, a workplace psychologist at Columbia University, emphasizes that workplace gossip can have detrimental effects on employee morale and cohesion. When an employee feels compelled to report on a colleague's behavior, it may reflect personal insecurities or a need to assert power. This behavior often leads to a culture of mistrust and defensiveness within teams.

Recognizing the underlying motivations for such actions can help individuals navigate workplace relationships more effectively.

The OP thought Sheri was too strict and that the children almost seemed scared of her.

The OP thought Sheri was too strict and that the children almost seemed scared of her.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

Sheri grilled him not just for his tardiness but for asking the OP to omit it.

Sheri grilled him not just for his tardiness but for asking the OP to omit it.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

OP has offered the following explanation for why she thinks she might be the AH:

I told an employee he was safe and that I would tell the boss, and then I told the boss.

We've gathered some of the most upvoted comments from other Redditors for you to read through below.

We've gathered some of the most upvoted comments from other Redditors for you to read through below.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

The OP should not be surprised that Rod doesn't want to talk to her anymore.

The OP should not be surprised that Rod doesn't want to talk to her anymore.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

Research indicates that gossip and negative interactions can significantly impact workplace dynamics. Studies show that environments characterized by trust and open communication tend to foster collaboration and job satisfaction. Therefore, refraining from engaging in gossip and focusing on constructive feedback can contribute to a healthier team culture.

Encouraging open dialogues about professional conduct can help reduce misunderstandings and promote a more inclusive atmosphere.

It sounds like he commiserated with the OP and they had a good day.

It sounds like he commiserated with the OP and they had a good day.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

He thinks the OP did it just to get brownie points.

He thinks the OP did it just to get brownie points.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

The Importance of Constructive Feedback

Providing constructive feedback is essential for fostering professional development. Effective feedback focuses on behaviors rather than personal attributes, allowing individuals to grow without feeling attacked. Research highlights that constructive feedback can enhance employee performance and satisfaction.

Encouraging a culture of feedback can mitigate the negative effects of gossip and promote a supportive work environment.

The OP broke a promise, meaning that she can't be trusted.

The OP broke a promise, meaning that she can't be trusted.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

The OP gave Rod her word and then proceeded to throw him under the bus.

The OP gave Rod her word and then proceeded to throw him under the bus.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

Practicing empathy in workplace interactions can significantly enhance team dynamics. When employees strive to understand their colleagues’ perspectives, it can reduce conflict and promote collaboration. Techniques such as active listening and open dialogue can help foster a supportive workplace culture.

By prioritizing empathy, individuals can contribute to a more harmonious work environment.

The OP could have said no when Rod told her to keep his lateness away from Sheri.

The OP could have said no when Rod told her to keep his lateness away from Sheri.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

Rod has more integrity than the OP because he didn't snitch on her.

Rod has more integrity than the OP because he didn't snitch on her.Reddit/Kidcarethrow

Rod was made to pay for his lateness despite OP assuring him that she would take care of everything and that he shouldn't worry. The OP simply threw Rod under the bus, so now all he sees her as is someone he works with.

Don't promise to cover for someone if you lack the necessary skills to keep to it. The OP was declared the AH, and that's a wrap.

Psychological Analysis

This situation highlights the challenges posed by gossip in workplace dynamics. It's essential for individuals to reflect on their motivations and the impact of their behavior on colleagues. Engaging in open discussions about professional conduct can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Navigating workplace gossip requires understanding the psychological factors that influence behavior. By prioritizing constructive feedback and fostering open communication, individuals can help create a healthier work environment.

Encouraging supportive interactions can enhance collaboration and overall workplace satisfaction.

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