Stupid New Guy
 

We just got a new guy in my department at work and he seems really slow. He is the first guy they hired since me and I have been there for almost 2 years now. It just seems like I am able to do twice the work he is doing. He walks around really slow and shows no sort of motivation. He does wierd things like taking the smallest job avaiilable EVERY TIME and taking my supplies when his are almost out instead of getting his own. AND HE DOESNT LISTEN!!! I was wondering if there was a good way to break it to him that he sucks or a way to just ignore him?

What do you do with the new guy?

Be firm, but "nice." When he fucks up, say "No, it's done like this..." If he whines, tell him that you HAVE been there for two years, and in your experience, you know that your method is the correct one.

If he REFUSES to learn after the first two weeks, talk to management.

When he tries to take your supplies offer to show him where they are so he can get his own. If he still tries to take yours then tell him no, that you showed him where the supplies were and he has to go get his just like everyone else.

So I cant just throw something heavy at him?

I'm sure when you started, there is a good chance that someone thought you were the stupid new guy too.

So teach him to be more like you. If he's not willing to learn, then you have a problem.

Could be he's just nervous. Assuming he's not lazy, it kind of explains why he takes the smaller jobs and borrows your office supplies. Our workstudies kind of remind me of your guy... They're so worried about asking what they think yet another stupid question that they'd rather try to fumble through things themselves than ask someone in the know.

Next time, take the guy aside and show him. It'll be kind of uncomfortable at first, but it'll save you loads of irritation later. Just remember, a little humor goes a long way and things will work out. Again, assuming he's not just lazy or unwilling.

Count on it.

He's got "Newguyitis". It's a condition whereby the newest guy, in any given work group, is so paranoid about screwing up and looking the proper fool...that he can't seem to do anything right. Give him a little time. He'll soon find the groove and settle into it. Until then, try to be a little patient and show him the ropes. It may take a couple of time, even for the most mundane tasks. I'm sure that if you think back, those tasks were not so mundane to you...two years ago.


Or...the guys an idiot. What are ya gonna do?

I have a FNG at my work right now too and it is frustrating. He keeps transferring calls and asking questions that he should be able to handle or readily look up the proper info himself. It is hard to get the proper perspective, if he is just making new guy mistakes or if he wont be able to figure it out. The last three new guys my work hired before him caught on a lot quicker though. I guess thats why my work hires everybody on a 90 day provisional basis, then does a review to see if they will keep the person around.

Since we don't know all the specifics, he might just need help. Feed a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Have him fill out the ID 10T forms, then send him off for headlight fluid.

crazybill5280, you are singing my song. Except I only had two new guys before mine catch on more quickly. And there's the fact that my guy's been around for six months.

I know how you're feeling, I have the same problem. The new guy's been here for 4 months and still doesn't know what he's suppose to do. He's always not where he's suppose to be, not sure of what exactly he's suppose to do.

Within 4 months, I was able to master everything but this new guy can't even do one thing right. I was hard on him but then eventually, I realized that my methods is not getting me or him anywhere, so I resort to being assigned to "work" with him so that I can explain the specific process of various task that needs to be done and how they all relate to each other. For the past few weeks, he's done alot better.

Keep working with / near him. You will look great by virture of the contrast.