I love where I work but cannot stand the head boss??

Question

My supervisor is out of the office this week on vacation and so the head boss is the hnic.

I just passed my 90 day mark, however, this lady gets on my last nerve and she is a freak about things. She is also never happy with anything you do.

When my boss is in he office, I can work peacefully, but my boss is looking for another job and is interviewing. She had a second interview right before her vacation which is a good sign she will decide to take the job if offered. I cannot work with the hnic if this happens, but I like working for the company.

Should I start looking? Or just stay there because I am now eligible for bennies.

The only people hiring right now anyways are staffing companies. (rolling eyes)

Answer 1

You are always going to find people you don't like to work with no matter where you are. Keep that in mind if you start looking for new work.

The best way to deal with a person you don't work well with is to talk to them in a civilized way. Usually a polite confrontation will make them hesitate to deal with you in the future. Remember to stay polite, respectful, and don't let tempers flare.

I'd say you need to suck it up unless it really becomes a problem. Bosses come and go too.

Answer 2

You have two things going against you: (1) You've only been at your job 90 days, so you really don't know all the "ins and outs" of your position or what the Head Boss is responsible for; (2) You've been biased a bit by your immediate boss who also doesn't like the head boss. It's very easy for a boss to influence his/her staff one way or the other against upper management. So do be careful about taking on her views as your own.

My advice, especially if this head boss becomes your immediate boss, is to get to know this head boss more. Interact with her. Find out what she likes and doesn't like and start anticipating them. When she begins her routine of criticism, you can quickly point out that you have already thought of that and show her the alternative. That is, start to "manager your manager". Take initiative in figuring out her style. You may never fully win her over (like in the movie "The Devil Wears Prada') but you may ultimately gain enough of her trust and respect that she knows she can count on you. Furthermore, the more faith she has in you, the less likely she'll be there to complain.

Also, realize that bosses aren't there to be your "friend" - they are there to do a job. There will be personality conflicts. You don't have to like your boss - but you do have to do work that is appropriate for your level (and possibly the next, if you want to get promoted). In other words, no matter what you do, that boss may always be picky, but she may also acknowledge your hard work.

Therefore, my advice is to change your attitude and focus on doing a better job. If, after a year of trying your best, this head boss is even more demanding than normal, then clearly it's time to move on. Sometimes there is no pleasing people and that's that. Be sure to inform HR, when you leave, why you are moving on (in a graceful, diplomatic fashion, otherwise, HR will just dismiss your comments as a bitter employee). It may be time for HR or upper management to talk to that boss. Who knows? That boss may wind up moving on before you do!

Good luck!

Answer 3

I'd bite the bullet and stick with it- your boss will likely be replaced if she leaves, and the replacement will be a buffer between you and the nit-picker/freak. Leaving isn't always the answer for a case like this, especially since you are basically happy with the job and the company- it's only this one person that irritates you. As Gilda Radnor used to say on SNL 'IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING!' and you might very well find things at a new place worse in different ways.

Answer 4

Been in your situation dear. Hang in there, grit your teeth, dig in your heels and hope for another supervisor like the last one. That's my advice. Doesn't sound like you have any better choices on the outside right now and better to deal with the devil you know than the devil you don't know. The grass may be greener on the other side but it also could be yellow.

Answer 5

I would stick it out for a while and see no. 1 if your boss takes the new job and no. 2 if she doe's what kind of person will they replace her with.

Believe me the grass is not always greener.

Answer 6

I would just tuff it out. People come and go. Who knows the head boss may be looking too. I would stay where you are unless it just becomes unbearable.