OT: Horrible ex Boss applying to work in my new Department!

So I got some horrible news today, my old boss that I worked under for 4 years and made my life miserable is going to apply for an open position in my department. In those 4 years she could not retain hardly any staff. They would start the job with great attitude and expectations and quit within a few months. This put such a hardship on all the rest of us because we were so understaffed we had to be on call all the time and do all of the work. And she NEVER showed up to help, ever. She would sit in her office all day only leaving to go to the tanning salon down the street or the pizza hut buffet. Never lifting a finger to help her struggling staff.

But God help you if you screwed up. I messed up once it was a complete accident caused by a mix up in another department that I executed incorrectly. She wrote me up on final written warning. I had never even had one warning of any sorts....ever written, verbal or other. So that meant that if I screwed up again in the next 12 months I was automatically fired.

I hung on for all those years but I felt like I could not trust the management, and that I was going to get fired all of the time. I could not live under that pressure and stress so last spring I found a new job in a completely different location and department with the same company.

I have been really happy here since I started. It is low stress, great co workers, friendly. My new boss is so nice and helpful.
And I find out today this other person is applying. She is very qualified on paper so there is no reason why they would not hire her. I am just so upset about it I feel physically ill.

The worst part is that since our department is new, we are currently under the director but she is looking to appoint a supervisor since the department is expanding.....I just don't think I could work under this person again.

My current boss is very approachable, I don't want to be a complainer but I really want the opportunity to voice my opinion and be honest about my feeling toward this other individual.

What would you do?
and does any one have a margarita mixer I could borrow? :)~

Oh what a tough situation to be in! So sorry!

If you're on good terms with your newer boss, as you state, I would have a confidential discussion about this issue. If your department works well now, I drop the info about your expereince at your last job and why you left.  Also point out the personal retention would likely be similar to your previous experience.  Dave 

If your current boss is approachable then I would definitely tell her about the old boss BUT just give her facts about the past situation.  Don't give her your opinions but tell her exactly what happen when you worked for your old boss.  Mention the things you mentioned here about not being able to keep employees, you left because of the old boss, I would tell her that you made a mistake but it was dealt with harshly and with no warnings.  I wouldn't spend too much time on the written warning because you don't want your new boss to think that you are holding a grudge.  I am sure if your current boss likes the work situation as it is with no drama she will listen because no one wants a person to come in and interrupt the work flow.  There is my 2 cents worth!!    Good Luck    debbie

oh thats easy..

wait until they get hired

put a dimebag in ther desk when they arent looking

'Random Search"

voila!

 I like the way you think, Ron.

LMAO!!!!! Good one!

I agree with Dave and Deb. Plus, word tends to get around. I bet you aren't the only person she's treated shabbily.

I once had a similar situation. The person showed up to work for one day and then quit. So while I was dreading having to work with her, it worked itself out.

Good luck

Oh gosh ... i had a boss like this once and i would have to seriously consider quitting if i had to work for her again.

i would quietly ask to sit down with your current boss and i would tell her you heard this woman is applying to work in your office and i would say... "i know this decision has nothing to do with me, however i feel compelled to tell you why i transferred from my old department to this one." keep it professional i would even go so far as to say that she is very qualified for the position but you fear how the dynamics of the current work environment will work.

prepare fir the worst
i would also prepare my resume and start looking toward other jobs if you know you can't work under her.

I agree with previous posters that you need to speak with your current boss about your concerns.  Consider how you will lead off the conversation - "I understand that X has applied for our department's vacant position and I have some concerns I would like to share with you.  Would you be willing to talk through them with me?"

You may want to ask your current boss for her opinion of your previous boss' work, then share your concerns in a business context -  leaving out as many editorial comments as possible (ex:  she's a lazy jerk).  If your company has behavioral competencies or values, share how your previous boss' actions and behavior with you did not meet those expectations.  This will give you a good idea if your current boss is interested in your previous boss or not.  People can apply to openings but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll get the job. 

Close your conversation by stating that you appreciate the department as it currently functions (all of the things that are right about your current work enviornment - low stress, friendly, your new boss is a great mentor) and that you would be very disappointed if it changed. 

Good luck!  Hopefully your old boss has a reputation that will prevent her from transferring to your department.