No training, process not streamlined, fast/furious deadlines, deceptive feedback, unkind handling.
I was a very happy freelancer for Scribe before I was an employee; I loved it so much that I applied for the first "tribe" job I possibly could. I had some reservations about my ability to do the job in question but was encouraged to apply. I did well on the test materials and was hired, despite my honest worries about being able to learn the new tasks. The manager reassured me that, should worse come to worst and I was not a good fit for the position, I could return to my freelancing position because they already knew I was excellent at what I did. I was assured (in a written email) that there would be "no bad endings here." Can you smell the foreshadowing?
Anyway, I did struggle with the position. New hires are thrown directly into a live project with virtually no training. There is an open "ask me anything" policy that is comforting and real, but not terribly helpful if you don't know what to ask. The number and variety of tasks were overwhelming, confusing, and super challenging for me. I made the same mistakes that were made by all new hires, and was assured that no error could not be undone. At every monthly check-in, I was given the same feedback: it's OK to make mistakes, everyone does; don't panic--everything can be fixed; be confident in your decisions; you're getting better all the time. At every check-in, I asked the same thing: what can I do better and where am I weakest; every time I was told that I was on the right track and they saw no need for a re-direct or any extra support. And I really WAS getting better. Understanding the process and strengthening my juggling skills every day...which made the impending brutal ending that much more devastating.
I was called into a zoom meeting that turned out to be a disciplinary session, as well as the most brutal and cruel thing I've ever experienced professionally or personally. I heard a litany of my faults and screwups, which were, in fairness, mostly valid. I agreed that I had made some pretty big errors in the beginning and although I was improving, I shared their concerns that this might not be a great fit for me overall. I was clearly emotional and contrite, but instead of being treated with kindness or compassion, I was shamed repeatedly. I was not offered a supportive solution: I was offered a zero-tolerance (for errors) probationary period, delivered in the most cruel and condescending way possible. I was told I had personally (Me! A brand new part-time employee!) damaged Scribe's reputation and caused authors to mistrust the entire company and its process.
I was absolutely blindsided, because--despite verbally and emotionally agreeing with much of their assessment--I had been reassured many times that I was on the right track, and had no inkling that anything like this was afoot. When I suggested it would be better for everyone if I could return to my freelancing jobs, as promised, I was told no; that was no longer an option. Enduring the brutal cruelty of the manager was more demoralizing than anything else I can ever recall experiencing; but having that promise revoked was absolutely crushing. I should mention that there was a second person present on the call, who I believe was made uncomfortable by the unkindness on display, and who offered me compassion and assurance that I was still a valuable human despite being not-so-great at this particular job. I am so grateful for her presence. The main person involved is the type who preaches kindness to mask her own deep cruelty. We all know one of those.
In summary, this departure was devastating and beyond traumatic--confirming my every worst fear about my own worth and adding a slew of new ones. I'm not sure I'll ever get over how I was treated. I was an honest, kind, supportive and grateful Scribe employee--not a criminal or a jerk or a liar: just someone trying her best. I hope no one else ever has to go through this (at least not without a very good therapist who can begin to undo some of the damage caused).
*As an aside, but an important one: it's not at all OK for any non-Native corporation or person to be using the word "tribe" in 2022. Despite their otherwise inclusive and progressive culture, this is a cringe-worthy oversight that should be remedied ASAP.
