Steve came to me about a boss who sets impossible deadlines. All managerial flaws aside, the person he worked for (who I’ll call Harriet) was an amazing woman. A charismatic leader, able almost single-handedly to move ideas into reality through her charm, energy, intelligence, and undying belief in her ideals.

But she also doesn’t know how to stop long enough to allow others or circumstances to catch up with her. Just when staff wrap their heads around one project and get it going, she comes to them with three new ideas. Ones they MUST get started on right away. And it was driving everyone else in the office crazy.

Working with impossible deadlines

When Steve first began working with Harriet, he was amazed by the constant rush-rush-rush toward deadlines. The place was a madhouse, day-in and day-out. There never seemed to be a time when they weren’t desperately trying [Read more…]

Is your boss an Avoider? One who frequently avoids making decisions as you wait for an answer or definitive direction from them? Or as you and coworkers have to scramble and handle as best you can whatever your boss is holding off on.

People who avoid or delay committing to an answer often feel overwhelmed by the situation. Or simply unsure of themselves. Even bosses with bravado can have low-esteem lurking below the surface. Being wrong is a powerful inhibitor. Admitting wrong even more so for some.

A chicken-and-egg situation?

When someone feels overwhelmed, it’s hard for them to know where to start. So they delay making a decision to avoid making the wrong decision. And things pile up.

As time goes on, the Avoider Boss’s continued inaction creates so many loose ends that it feels even riskier to make any decision at all. So avoiding the wrong decision may make it even more likely for things to go wrong!

Unfortunately, some bosses’ management styles thrive on this kind of avoidance. They figure [Read more…]

Most people at some point of their careers wind up feeling their boss deserves to be fired. Or at least demoted to a position where they can’t do any harm. Or annoy any staff.

Yet as obvious as this may seem to you, somehow upper management allows the boss to stay. They may even promote them. And that’s enough to drive any sane worker crazy!

Why a boss deserves to be fired

From staff point of view

Some things a boss does that make you question why they’re still in charge: [Read more…]

Even in the 21st century when gender equality is supposed to be a given, quite a few bosses still take advantage of women. Probably not as obviously (although there are those who let it all show), but nonetheless you can still find this happening in offices of all types.

And the most frustrating part of this? The woman doesn’t always realize it’s happening. Or that they have options, even if it means eventually heading to a new job where they will be treated more fairly.

How do bosses take advantage?

[Read more…]

It’s comforting to have things from home at work. Well, maybe not a cat. And many of us do decorate our workspaces with family pictures, colorful objects to brighten your day, or even little trinkets that amuse. But what if your boss forbids personal items on your desk?

While many bosses are happy to let you have whatever makes you happy(within reason), some are adamant about not wanting anything at all on your desk except work. And even that needs to be put away when you go home. I had a boss like that once.

Why the naked desk fixation?

[Read more…]

A friend (I’ll call her Laura) contacted me privately about a problem she was having at work. She told me that her boss doesn’t trust her anymore. And the most upsetting part for her was that she was once one of the first people her boss came to for advice. But not anymore.

She used to love her job. Now she’s getting the cold shoulder from her boss and doesn’t know what to do. And to make things worse, some of her coworkers seem to be joining in on the freeze-out treatment. Should she start looking for a new job or can she still hope to make this work?

Possible reasons a boss doesn’t trust

[Read more…]

Politics is one of those topics best left to friends you agree with. Or people you can have a respectful discussion with, even if you disagree. But when it comes to the workplace, what do you do if your boss pushes political views at everyone?

Unfortunately, more and more we are a divided country. And it’s not just the United States. This is happening all over the world. Perhaps it’s the uncertainty of so many things seemingly happening at once. Strong foundational views that you share with people like yourself can help provide a feeling of stability even when so much around you feels out of control.

Why does a boss push political views?

[Read more…]

One of the more common managerial flaws is trying to do it all. Or, like a helicopter parent for employees, trying to see it all and control all aspects. So, in effect, when a boss won’t delegate, it’s about trust.

Although they might reject the label of “control freak,” these bosses don’t really trust anyone but themselves. Even if your boss is the most brilliant person who ever lived, not delegating is a managerial formula for failure.

What if your boss won’t delegate?

[Read more…]

What’s wrong with bosses? I’ve heard the question asked in many different ways. How can they be so clueless or manipulative or thoughtless or controlling or easily influenced by the wrong people or downright mean … or just plain stupid?

Over the years, I’ve written a lot about bosses … especially about the most annoying ones. Just some of the basic underlying weaknesses:

1. No idea how to manage people.
2. Busy trying to do everyone else’s work.
3. Don’t know how to trust. Or trust too easily.
4. Mind is elsewhere, such as hobbies, personal things, or areas of work that matter least.
5. No idea how to delegate well. Or they delegate so much they have no idea what’s really going on.
6. And some are oblivious to the very real human needs of their staff — needs that can increase productivity and retention far more than a new work process or “motivational” goal.

And here are some previous posts about our … uh … less wonderful bosses if you’re curious. (Scroll down for more … including the role WE may play in all of it.)

How To Deal With a Bully Boss

What NOT To Do If You Work for a Dumb Boss!

What To Do If Your Boss Takes You For Granted

My Boss Tries To Control Everything!

Boss Takes Credit for Everything I Do!

Help! My Boss Doesn’t Respond To Emails

My Boss Doesn’t Respect Me No Matter What I Do

Boss Doesn’t Communicate with Staff

Bosses are people too

Even good bosses can drive us crazy at times. So why is it so hard to find a truly wonderful boss? [Read more…]

Overtime approval request problem

On another post, Pauline writes in a comment that her boss is ignoring her emails about overtime approval. Maybe this is your situation? Or you know someone dealing with a similar issue. With a few additions / changes for the purpose of this post, here’s what she wrote and my reply:

Dear Ronnie Ann,

My pay was short 33.5 hrs overtime. Payroll said they needed something from my manager to document the overtime approval. I have sent 3 emails with no response. And I even asked if there was something I could do to expedite this, and future situations. But I still haven’t received a reply.

In the meantime she has sent emails regarding new procedures or training opportunities to all staff. I work mostly nights so rarely see her. This isn’t new. She routinely doesn’t approve overtime that is clearly marked on the schedule. Ronnie Ann … I’m at a loss.

I could go to the union but that really will get her mad. Advice?

~ Pauline

———–

My response to Pauline:

Hi Pauline!

First, I want to say how sorry I am that you’re dealing with this. You deserve to be paid for your time, without having to jump through all kinds of hoops to get it. Since I don’t know all your circumstances and also since (I assume) you don’t want to do anything that threatens your job, I’ll just offer some thoughts and questions.

(1) Is it company policy that your boss needs to approve each instance of overtime? Since you say this isn’t an isolated case, that tells me that the company must (or should) know this is going on. That concerns me some. Although maybe there’s more to the story on their part.

(2) I hope you have been documenting all emails and any other related notes. And saving a copy in a separate personal folder (not company email) so you have access just in case.

(3) You say you rarely see your boss. But can you make it a determined point to stay longer? Or somehow purposefully see her face to face. (Polite and professional tone, of course.) You can discuss the overtime approval — and how to handle it in the future, as you’ve tried to do. Sometimes looking a person in the eyes gets results email can’t.

Maybe a phone call can get answer?

(4) It seems like you might be a bit worried about direct confrontation. But you never know. Just a friendly “Oh hi. I’m so glad to reach you, (her name).” is a good way to start the conversation. Best to keep it friendly. But also short and to the point, showing you respect her time.

If she does answer, great. You’ve finally got her attention. So take a deep breath (in and out) and start. Remind yourself you are in the right. And deserve what you earned. But stay polite and respectful with her.

If not, maybe a phone message? Just say you’ve been trying to reach her by email, but seem not to be getting through. Mention the overtime approval. And ask her again to let you know if there is a better way to reach her for this in the future.

(5) If you weren’t able to speak, but instead left a voicemail … then follow up with an email. Use a Subject Line that says “Overtime Approval Request for Pauline (lastname).” Or whatever the right words are for you. (This can help keep it from being deleted or spammed.) And reference your phone message, saying you’re just following up.

Where else to find help (maybe)

(6) Alternatively, maybe Payroll can help you by sending your boss a polite request for overtime approval. This should be something they’d want to help with. Kind of strange if they don’t.  Or speaks to something more about management structure. They can simply say they need it to process your check.

If you are entitled to overtime as part of the work you do, then I believe you are owed this regardless. Here’s some information on the topic from the Department of Labor:

⇒  Department of Labor Overtime Regs

(7) What happens if you seek help from your union or elsewhere and she does get mad? Can you live with that, knowing you’re standing up for yourself? Or is your job in danger? Or will she just make it very uncomfortable for you in some way?

Again keep documenting everything related to this.

(8) Can your union protect you if your boss does take action against you? Would be good to find out where they stand on such things in general, without giving them specifics for now. And maybe they can also clue you in on political reality at your company unofficially.

But be careful at this point not to say anything bad about anyone (even if they do), just in case there is cross-communication. You never know.

(9) Are you prepared / able to leave if this doesn’t work in your favor? Even if not right away, you can start laying the groundwork for change if things don’t improve.

I know that’s a lot. But I hope maybe some of it will help you figure out your next steps. Even trigger your own solutions for overtime approval. You deserve to get paid, Pauline. But only you know how much room you have to maneuver. Good luck!

~ Ronnie Ann

If you do the work

You deserve to get paid.

That’s just basic respect!!

If not … maybe time to look elsewhere.

That’s respect for yourself!

(Even if it takes time.)

More posts to help

How Changing Your Attitude Can Change Your Job!

5 Workplace Fears That Limit Your Success

Are You Always Feeling Angry At Work?

When Emotions Take Over In the Workplace

I Can’t Stop Feeling Like a Failure

What To Do If Your Boss Takes You For Granted

How To Change Your Job Without Quitting

7 Reasons We Stay In Bad Jobs

Boss Won’t Let Me Transfer To a Different Department

My Boss Has a Favorite and It’s NOT Me

Are You Afraid To Talk To Your Boss?

Coworkers Don’t Like Me. What Can I Do?

⇒  EXTRA:  Boss Treats You Badly? It’s Not Your Fault!

And just in case you do need to leave

⇒  How To Quit a Job (Without Hurting Yourself)

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