Do you manage people? Do you appreciate people who are direct?

[seaglass]

I think I am going to get laid off when the project I'm working on is over (at the end of this month). My company employs 2 project managers and I'm pretty sure the other pm has had nothing much to do since October - however he has 13 years with the company and I only have 2.

I know that there aren't any projects in the pipeline and I can't see how they can keep me employed with nothing to do.

So - I am thinking about asking my "pretend" boss (I don't really report to him, we just all pretend I do) whether I am getting laid off when I am done with this project or not.

Would you lie to an employee who asked you directly? What would be the repercussions if I asked?

[raccoon]

1. I had your identical experience (as a managed person) years ago.

I asked my contract boss that question. She didn't say my contract wouldn't be renewed, but her hemming and hawing and body language said it.

[seaglass]

3. Yeah, I am trying to get some clues by talking to people because

I work at home and sometimes can feel very out of the loop.

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. Depending on circumstances, I would not tell the whole truth, yes.

If in a big corporate environment and if I didn't know you well and there were lots of other employees, I would probably say, if I *were* planning to lay you off, something like "The plan right now is to keep all people working; however, I cannot make any promises, as the economic environment is quite shaky".




But, if it's a small group, and I knew you were a trustworthy employee and weren't going to start destroying shit in your remaining weeks, then yes, I would let you know. Especially if I felt there were a chance that we might be able to hire you back sometime in the future.


I don't think there would be any repercussions if you asked the question, unless your boss is a total asswipe. But the only trustworthy answer is "yes".

[seaglass]

4. Thanks Rabrrrrrr, I think I will ask him because I can't really see

how it would hurt. It is a small company and he should know me well enough to realize I'm not going to be slashing and burning before I leave.

He can be a nice person and also an asswipe so we shall see which one he is today. :-)

[Forkboy]

5. It's exactly why I don't want to manage people.

I'd be direct. It's what people deserve, and usually appreciate the most, even if at first it may not be something they want to hear.