I'm into the 2nd week of a 2 month temp secretarial job. Before I started here, a lady in her late 50's (who's here permanently) held the fort until I got here! Since I've started, she seems reluctant to 'let go' of most of the duties for me to do. I went to visit the Dr I'm working for yesterday (for the first time) and we had a friendly, informal chat. When I told the woman this, she said, "He didn't speak with me like that".
2006-11-27 19:27:50 · 10 answers · asked by The way I are 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I was in a similar situation. The person I worked for was reluctant to tell me anything which would have enabled me to do an effective job. She had her own little kingdom and if she told me too much It would weaken her power base.
Serve out your time, don't take too much of the BS personally and ask you agency not to send you back there (I did this and they told me that everyone they sent there came back with the same request). And remember that you're doing her a favour in the long term - she can blame any problems on the temp for about 4 weeks after you leave.
2006-11-27 19:47:14 · answer #1 · answered by Athene1710 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The others are right. She feels threatened. (Or maybe she's just a nasty person!) And by all means, don't tell her about your conversations with your boss. If she asks, just give her a general response but don't go into detail. Since you are only there for two months, I wouldn't hesitate telling my boss, if the opportunity arises, that there is more work you could handle. I wouldn't bring the subject up though. You are there to help in the office and aren't contributing all you can if she won't let you. This way, the boss can handle her. Let her guide you. She'll feel important. I bet the boss knows how she is anyway. Who knows, maybe the job will become permanent so try and get along with her.
2006-11-28 07:26:49 · answer #2 · answered by Blondie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like she is jealous as well as she feels threatened by you. You're younger, and more than likely more energenic. She on the other hand has been there many years is somewhat older, and most likely doesn't have half the energy that you do. Now here you come, younger most likely pretty, and NOW the Dr. himself is having FRIENDLY chats or talks with you. He has NEVER done this with her. Oh Oh, this is not good. Not for her anyway. So, she most likely is threatened to some degree. I know you are only a temp. BUT there are many temps who are brought on as temps and end up full time. Good Luck and hope it works out for you.
And by the way, YES we do sound alike.
2006-11-28 09:05:56 · answer #3 · answered by GRUMPY 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She has security issues!!! As do MOST older people age 50 and up. It is natural for her to feel a bit intimidated by your youth and eagerness...it is all in how she handles it, as well as your self! It would probably be wise for you to try to "win her over"" if she has been there for any length of time. You can do this by asking her "advise" on a few things, but keep it strictly professional! You at least want to keep the peace in this office, in case your stay is extended, or you could get a recommendation to return later. Just do what you are asked to do, and don't make the mistake of playing politics in the office... this would be a game very hard for you to win!!! Good luck!
2006-11-28 03:37:27 · answer #4 · answered by photogram1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She probably feels threatened by somebody who she probably sees as usurping her position - it doesn't help that you are younger than her, as this may fuel her jealousy.
Explain to her, over a nice cup of tea, that you do not mean to be threatening and if you work together then the best results will come about - many hands make light work, as my friend is always telling me.
2006-11-28 04:08:34 · answer #5 · answered by hello772345 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Given time she will come round just be patient and try to befriend her.
She feels threatened
Good Luck with your job
Jeff
2006-11-28 03:45:10 · answer #6 · answered by JEFF K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"It's like the old saying"
Two, too many cooks, in the kitchen.
She is feeling threatened by you. It is not your fault it is just nature taking it's course. Watch your back.
2006-11-28 03:41:33 · answer #7 · answered by yaya 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is older than you and is feeling threatened. Maybe she is afraid she won't be needed there anymore if she turns everything over to you .Don't take it personally.She is just scared.Compliment her and befriend her .
2006-11-28 03:34:28 · answer #8 · answered by little loved one 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
She just feels like she needs to dominate, because she's been there for a while, and you had barely gotten there.
2006-11-28 03:37:32 · answer #9 · answered by Charlene 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she feels you are coming to take her job
2006-11-28 03:50:37 · answer #10 · answered by KOOL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋