I plead with people to understand that if someone is acting out of character, then you need to think it might be a medical issue.
Not quite 20 years ago, I worked for a local authority mental health agency with about 650 employees. I worked in the human resources department and knew all the employees by name because I literally had access to everything about them. I made out their paychecks, did all their insurance, and added and subtracted items as their lives evolved.
So the HR director moved him to the aging department, saying, “A change is as good as a rest.” The employee was happy with his new department, and we thought the problem was solved -- until the new supervisor started to have problems with him -- the same problems that the prior supervisor was having.I had known this man for years. Like all the employees, we had interaction often. He knew me.
Since then, People need to stop thinking that a nice guy somehow turned into a jerk overnight. My perfect wife somehow turned into a witch overnight. My lovely mother all of a sudden turned into an ornery old biddy overnight. Before you complain, get a divorce, or sever ties with your loved ones and friends, do everyone a huge favor and take them to the doctor.
Step back, breathe and think, “Is this person acting out of character?” What could I do to determine the cause? A trip to the doctor would answer a lot of questions. -- An Old Lady in Salt Lake CityThank you for your letter. You bring up a wonderful point! Getting a “fit to work” appraisal is one of the most compassionate things you can do for someone. Knowledge is power. When we have all the facts, we can make a well-informed decision.
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