Why Am I Being So Mean ??

Question

I recently got promoted to a Customer Services advisor in my companys brand new store. im under alot of pressure all the time and i find myself constantly bad tempered and snapping at my colleagues. I really dont wanna be this way and i dont enjoy it and i want to stop. im normally quite a likeable person and got on great with everyone so how can i stop bein like this, every1 jus seems to get on my nerves..? HELP!!

Answer 1

It's stress. Do some deep breathing exercises and pray. Congratulations on your promotion. Don't let it get the best of you.

Answer 2

Maybe you don't feel comfortable in your ability to suceed in your new position. In order to be a leader you need leadership skills. Are you a leader? Does the company you work for have workshops on dealing with subordinates? if so, attend. Don't let the pressure get to you, remember, you were looking for a job when you found this one. and the world will not end if a problem arises, and try to focus on solutions, not problems. Find some subordinates that are good workers and you can trust, delegate some responsibility to them, to help lessen your load a little, they will respect you more for it. When something goes wrong or is not being done the way you want, laugh about it, it eases tension in everyone, then focus on a solution, get input from your employees and rectify the problem. Be freindly, with your staff, but DO NOT get friendly with your staff, do not lord it over them, but keep boundaries. Be tough but fair. Good Luck

Answer 3

Caz, I am sorry to break this to you, - you need to find a different kind of job; and quick, too; continuing like this will eventually break you down.
As you state yourself: You "don't wanna be this way and you don't enjoy it and you want to stop". If a job does this to you, you are in the wrong place. Remember: you work in order to live, not vice versa. Working is such a big part of your life, and therefore it is vital that you find something to do that you enjoy doing, and that will make you want to go there every day. Always follow your "gut-feeling", and the way I see it your gut has spoken!
I've been there myself, and when I finally accepted that I was not happy in my job and asked my boss to find me another position that didn't include personnel-management, I was SOOO relieved. The weight was off my shoulders and I could breathe again. I still work in the same company (6 years now), so it CAN be done!

Answer 4

Stress is common in your line of work, however, remember that you need to be professional at all times no matter what the reason is as to why you are stressed out. If your direct reports are getitng on your nerves, then you need to sit down with them and inform them of what you expect from them and inform them of the consequences if they do not meet your expectations. That way, when they get on your nerves for not meeting your expectations, you can sit down with them in a professional manner to address it. Be sure to keep documentation when someone doesn't do what they are supposed to. Don't attack the person, attack the situation. Kudos to you for recognizing that you are behaving this way and trying to fix it! :-)

Answer 5

Stress management (or lack of). Not enough sleep, too much coffee. Too much self-importance (you're a customer service advisor for God's sake).

When you realize what you do is not going to change a damn thing in the universe, maybe you'll start to realize you do not have the right to treat the world like you're the queen.

Answer 6

Like others have said, it's stress. The very first thing I would do, is call your colleagues together and let THEM know what's going on. Apologize right off the bat. Let them know that you never expected this much stress, and you're sorry you've been taking it out on them. Let them know that you're trying to get it under control, but be SURE they understand that it's not an overnight change.

You've got to talk with them, and discover that fine line between "she's making an excuse" and "she really is sorry".

Answer 7

Maybe you should take 5 minutes to go outside to compose yourself. Do you drink caffeinated coffee in the mornings? Caffeine can make people really moody by the time the afternoon rolls around. What do you eat for breakfast? It would be a good idea to start juicing vegetables and fruit, because what we put into our bodies can have a positive or negative affect on our moods.

Answer 8

The stress of a new job, and wanting to make a good impression with the bosses often causes people to act uncharacteristically. Take deep breaths and think before you speak, then your requests will come out in a more controlled fashion

Answer 9

You are still finding your feet in your new role.

Try and bite your tongue (not literally!) when you want to snap at your staff. You will find that people will want to work for you more if you are good to them.

If you are able too (and I know that this will be easier said than done) call your staff together for a meeting and give them coffee and chocolate cake. Apologise for loosing your rag with them and explained that you are under pressure at the moment and don't mean to be snappy with them.

Being honest with them will, hopefully, help and they will respect you better for it.

Answer 10

you seem to be doubting your ability to do the new job. Remember, no one expects you to know it all, and most resent if you try to give that impression.
When colleagues ask something that makes you want to snap at them, why not try bouncing the question back to them. i.e. - "good question, what do you think?"
This is a new store, there are lots of new employees and each is trying to establish his/her worth. Let them feel worthy.