Good Evening,
I would like to begin with an apology for any unprofessional behaviour exhibited within our recent interactions.
In regards to the events of this week I would like to apologise for how my tone and frustration were interpreted, I am very unhappy hear that it was felt to be intimidating. I hope it can be appreciated how frustrated one feels when they are criticized, afforded no right of reply and are told they should “simply agree with what is being said”. I feel that an open dialogue would have been beneficial to all. Furthermore I was disheartened to be told I should “behave myself for the next three months” or that I would not be afforded a reference, as I believed this to be a threat against myself and felt both bullied and intimidated. I am hoping this was a misunderstanding on my part and that the intention was not to be threatened by my superior.
In regards to the events of today, April 7th, I must say that I was extremely uncomfortable to find myself in what I felt was an ‘ambush’ and immediately thrust into conflict in the presence of another senior manager who was visibly uncomfortable to be there. I did not feel heard and that I once more found myself, and my concerns, dismissed with prejudice. Given the, what I felt to be, threat from the previous day still fresh in my mind I was very upset during this meeting and had I been in a clearer state of mind would have excused myself and requested a more formal setting. Instead I felt very upset, distressed and cornered and feel that I should apologise for how I came across.
I was disheartened to feel threatened once more at the end of this meeting where it was suggested I would agree to be pushed out of the department, or that reason would be found to bring me before People and Culture. I am hopeful that this was another misunderstanding on my part, as I am extremely concerned to experience this behaviour in the workplace by my manager.
I do not feel that I am able to seek fair and unbiased guidance from People and Culture based on previous actions that you have taken against other staff members in similar circumstances. However, should this situation be escalated I and others would welcome the opportunity to share our concerns and would only hope that we are afforded a fair and just forum to be heard. Impartial guidance will alternatively be sought via union representatives to safeguard against future misunderstandings.
While I seek alternative employment I am content to continue in my current role until the expiration of my contract so that I may continue to contribute to the safekeeping of our community, as this was and always has been my only concern.
In light of this I feel that all future communication should take place via email where there is a written record of interaction, as I am not comfortable to rely on verbal instruction or direction as I have felt that this has previously been unclear or contradictory and may have contributed to these misunderstandings. I hope we can move towards this professional method of handling differences that arise in our working relationship.
Thank you.