By
Jihan Thompson
Your manager's been on a tear lately, ignoring
your e-mails and assigning impossible deadlines. Don't take it
personally:
Even well-paid top dogs feel insecure at work now and again and
take their frustrations out on their underlings. Lynn Taylor,
author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT), decodes
what your boss's barbs really mean and how best to deflect
them.
SHE SAYS: "I know it's late, but have it ready for me by
tomorrow morning."
SHE MEANS: Yes, this is a ridiculous deadline
that can only lead to mediocre results - but my superiors are on my
case to get it done ASAP.
WHAT YOU DO: Involve her in the process by asking,
"Given such a tight deadline, what would you do to make this a
success?"
Soliciting her guidance makes it more difficult for her to blame
you later if things go badly.
SHE SAYS: "Where have you been all
afternoon?"
SHE MEANS: I'm a little needy right now
and want you by my side 24/7.
WHAT YOU DO: Sell her on the upside of your
absence: "I took our clients to lunch, and I think I convinced
them to renew their contract with us!" Next time, be sure to
remind her the day before, the morning of, and an hour prior to
heading out of the office, and leave a note explicitly saying when
you'll be back.
SHE SAYS: Nothing - she hasn't responded to any of your
e-mails in days.
SHE MEANS: I'm incredibly busy. Don't
e-mail me unless it's urgent.
WHAT YOU DO: First, stop pinging her about minor
matters. Then,
be direct with her about the best way to communicate. Taylor
suggests something like, "I know you're inundated. Would
it be easier for you if I asked your assistant to set up a meeting
for us to review my questions and ideas?"
SHE SAYS: "You haven't finished the report
yet?!"
SHE MEANS: I may be blowing this out of
proportion, but I'm overwhelmed and, yes, I'm taking it out
on you.
WHAT YOU DO: The simple truth is that your boss
needs to vent periodically - and you're the unlucky sap
standing in front of her when she blows. Just be professional - no
trembling lower lip, ladies! She'll probably pop by later to
smooth things over. Accept her peace offering and move on.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
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Comments 1-2 of 2
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Posted by Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:35pm PDT
Report AbuseI had a definitely Diva boss. I think she must have modeled her behavior on the Devil Wears Prada. Anyway, I bought Lynn Taylor's book and used her advice on the Diva. When she once again asked me -- and I'm not her secretary or assistant, mind you -- to bring her a latte (she asked at least once a week) saying -- if you don't mind and it's on your way -- I told her I don't go that way anymore! Yay for me. Does anyone else have that problem? It would be fun to read how you handled it.
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Posted by Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:46am PDT
Report Abusemy great boss cut off all air to the office meanwhile he and his airhead assitant are cool and so is the rest of the store. how do yu handle that and stay legal??
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