How do I speak to my boss?

Question

k Im with this company for nearly a year - but in the last week Ive started to not get on with my employer!! At my interview I was told Id be taken on as office manager and that they wanted me to come in and rejig the office and bring it up to modern standards (couple aged about 65 own it, new to computer systems etc) and that Id be given free run to organise the office. Which I did - but now shes saying she cant find anything and wants to go back to really old filing ways etc - which I find hard to work with. Every few minutes shes passing comments like - oh I cant find this/this is in the wrong place etc etc etc - Im not making excuses for myself but I know half the mistakes she discovers arent down to me but her. My question is - how do I tell her that Im not happy with the way she percieves my work, and I dont like feeling that Im doing a crap job? Im very much qualified for my position, but feel like a new starter overher! Id really appreciate feedback you guys. Thanks!

Thanks so much for your answers so far guys - but i probably forgot to mention - shes a bit of a scarey woman - so HOW do I actually broach the subject with her!!? Thanks you guys - you're brill

Answer 1

you need to have a meeting - and explain to her that u feel that she is stoping you from fufilling your job description -

she may need some training on the new system - she is set in her ways and needs to be brought up to scratch -

after all this is why the job became avaliable -

but dont be wierd about it - discuss any issues as they will be able to sort them out -

Answer 2

Hi Pamela,

First of all, you need to understand what is scary about her. Is she scary as a defence? and really, is she insecure? Is she picking holes in your work to help her feel better about herself? When you have thought through this angle, then you can think about how you are going to broach the subject.

One suggestion is, and dependent on the outcome of above, ask to think back to the reasons she was looking for an office manager, and then why she thought you were right for the job. Ask for positive feedback. Give her positive feedback - remember she is giving off scary vibes for a reason!

Then move on to what is different now? Bear in mind that she may be feeling put out because you have done TOO good a job, hence the criticism.

If you want to stay, then part of the meeting needs to address, that you are different, have different skills and have the makings of a team - so how can we work together?

Don't criticise her and I suspect she is already very defensive. So the approach needs to be supportive, helpful and creating a middle ground, drawing new boundaries.

It may not work, but will be helpful to you if you follow these steps is that you will be in a better position the next time. You will negotiate earlier!

Let me know how you get on

Answer 3

I suggest you do the following:

1) Arrange a quiet meeting with your boss, tell her nicely that her comments are hurtful and unfair to you and explain the logic behind your system. Give her also some typed notes on it as reminder

2) Invite her to make any helpful suggestions for personal preferences if she wishes.

3) Put up an index or diagram of your system on the wall

4) After a while, ask her how she is getting on with it.

5) If that does not work and she is still complaining, look for another job and leave. Many old people like the muddle they are in and hate change. Happiness in your job is very important.Good luck

Answer 4

Its understandable that they be a little resistant to change. I'd be upfront with her, but be sure to not sound whiny or complaining. Just let her know you're doing the job that was asked of you. If the job description has changed, well they should let you know. I'd also remind her that modern ways will only benefit the company in the long run.

Answer 5

I ended up in the same position.....nearly exactly as you decribed, I ended up feeling like I had just strarted and I was the one meant to be runnign the show.....

I packed the job in on Tuesday, it's not worth the headace.....Once people develop an opinion of you it's very hard to change it back, it could be best to walk away....

Now I need a new job, boo hoo....

Answer 6

I think you can list the pros and cons for the old and new system, basically make them aware what it is.... May be you should start a board for "tips of the day" to make them aware of new things.... ;-)
even then if situation doesnt improve you have to take the risk of direct talk.... discussing what was the expectations and what is being done for that.... and what benifits they are getting out of it...

n'joy
-jai

Answer 7

Run it by them how much more efficiently the office will run with the changes you've made. Tell them ultimately its their decision but its your job to make it easier for them on the work place.

Answer 8

When I was afraid to approach people, I wrote them letters and awaited their response. Write a well thought out letter, don't leave anything out and address it to both of them and keep a copy for your file. Ask one or both of them to schedule a time when they can discuss the matter with you.

Answer 9

Well, Pam, you're just going to have to educate them. Tell them where things are and how to access them or get to where they have been filed and why they are where they are now.

Only way to go I think

Answer 10

Go through your entire system with them, you need to demonstrate how easy everthing is now.

People fear change, it's not your fault.