OK - now I really don't know what to do (RE: "Why is everyone afraid of her?")

[ShadesOfGrey]

In my experience, reorganization is the time to keep your head down & do a good job. If you want to be recognized for something it's the quality of your work, not your involvement with office politics. That is coming only from my experience in the last few years working for a small company that became part of a big company that was sucked up by the corporation that owned big company. Your position may be completely different.

Hobgoblinish, now I compeletely agree with YOU. 

Redleo12, my post was written from the perspective that those changes had already taken place, even though they havent.  Most likely, management isnt going to appropriately deal with this issue since, in just a short while, they can place it on someone else's shoulders to deal with (namely Maggie).  I agree that right now is NOT the time to make waves, unless someone is missing a project deadline that is going to cost the company some major $$$.  Management (in general) hates employees coming to them with problems, they want solutions.  I should have said this in my first post to you, but here it is, hopefully not too late for you to consider.  Bring them a solution - it will only make you look better. 

again, I wish you the best of luck with this situation. 

[Lexophile]

It is not too late. As yet I haven't done anything. I really appreciate all of the good advice. I have taken it to heart. I think I will lay low for a few days at least. If it happens again, though, I have to say something. It's starting to interfere with my work and the direction management wants me to take. Management has been pulling higher-level people into conference rooms for the past two days now, it's only a matter of time before they work their way down to us. I'm no business guru, but it makes sense that they have to notify the higher-level personnel first and continue downwards through the chain of command.  I just hope it's sooner rather than later. I hate to see my friend suffer this way. I feel a bit guilty not saying anything, but I have to think very carefully about my own reputation. THe way things have gone in the past, it doesn't look like saying anything would do one iota of good anyway.

[Slartibartfast]

Do your best to not let it deal with you.  If someone wants you to clean up a social mess, just say "Take it to Connie" or "Take it to Maggie," and go back to what you were doing.  Since *you* know Maggie will be your supervisor (at least for the time being), direct any personality management issues to her - including if you have clients who are being affected.  And definitely keep records of what's going on, just don't get involved.

If worst comes to worst, the company may decide to get rid of the whole group just to make the problem go away.  You do NOT want to be part of "that group" (in the management's minds) if that happens.

[Lexophile]

It seems that the advice I received from some of the more level-headed ehellions was spot-on. Just to let everyone know - I ended up NOT saying anything to the management about my conversation with Sandy. I had a conversation this morning with a higher-level manager who also happens to be a good friend of mine, and he told me that the managers involved are sick and tired of hearing about Connie and her rotten behavior. The announcement about the reorganization is going to take place tomorrow. As of tomorrow, Maggie will have the power to discipline Connie on her unprofessional treatment of the rest of our team, and if she doesn't like it, Connie can leave.

I came out smelling like a rose because, as far as management knows, I refused to get involved. Thank you, rdge, for the sound advice. I really appreciate the wise perspective.

[hobish]

Woohoo! Good for you! i'm glad it came out so well.

[ShadesOfGrey]

Redleo12,

I am so glad that you came out 'smelling like a rose.' Good luck in this 'new' position!

I feel for your friend Maggie right now, because she has a difficult job ahead of her.  As other posters suggested - document everything to do with Connie! Very clear reviews and warnings are the only thing that will protect her from a VERY messy termination under her belt. 

good luck!

[Lexophile]

Connie already has several strikes against her because she has acted so poorly. I hear from several reliable sources that management is ready to tell her to leave if she can't clean up her act. She was just officially reported today for WAAAAY overbilling a project. At our comapny, lying on your timesheet is grounds for termination. The project manager was furious because he plainly told her not to bill any more time to his project. She didn't listen, nor did she have ANY work to show for her billed time. Her number is going to be up very soon if she doesn't watch it. The new org chart was released this afternoon, which means that COnnie will get the news any minute about the change in leadership. I am listening very carefully for that shoe to drop.

[Suze]

You won't have to listen very hard

I have a feeling that it will be like trying to ignore a volcano erupting.

[Chivewarrior]

Definetely make sure you update us about what happens when Connie sees it...

[ShadesOfGrey]

Connie already has several strikes against her because she has acted so poorly. I hear from several reliable sources that management is ready to tell her to leave if she can't clean up her act. She was just officially reported today for WAAAAY overbilling a project. At our comapny, lying on your timesheet is grounds for termination. The project manager was furious because he plainly told her not to bill any more time to his project. She didn't listen, nor did she have ANY work to show for her billed time. Her number is going to be up very soon if she doesn't watch it. The new org chart was released this afternoon, which means that COnnie will get the news any minute about the change in leadership. I am listening very carefully for that shoe to drop.

Sounds like she is tying the noose around her own neck...