I just started working with a new company about 3 months ago. While I really like the company and my new job, my direct supervisor is incredibly annoying. He is pretty much your classic definition of dork. I get the impression that he doesn't have a lot of friends, and because I am only a few months younger than he is, he tries way too hard to "bond" with me. He's invited my husband and I over to his house for dinner (he's married as well). He's constantly prying into my personal life, asking me how I spent my weekend or evenings. It's his way of trying to forge a relationship with me, but I don't feel comfortable getting into the specifics of my personal life with him. When I tell him that my weekend was "fine", he presses the issue with more questions (i.e. "what did you do?") I want to be nice to him, since he's my boss, but I would much rather keep things professional. He means no harm by this, but I keep getting more and more annoyed with him. Any advice?
2007-07-30 04:50:07 · 5 answers · asked by Allie M 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I think you might be reading too much into it. I'm a manager and, while I don't invite people over to my house, I ask people questions along those lines. I guess it's my way of showing that I'm interested in how things are going for the people that work for me. That I see them as more than a thing that serves x many people, stocks x many cases, or cleans x many bathrooms.
There are some people that give me a series of one word answers. I get the point, I smile, and I move on. Stick to one word answers and I'm sure he'll get it eventually.
2007-07-30 05:52:50 · answer #1 · answered by larsor4 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to stay firm on this and change the subject if you don't want to share information with him.
You can be pleasant at work, but nothing says that you have to socialize with him after hours.
Maybe you can find a time, and have a witness there, and tell your boss, "I want to be nice, but I would prefer to keep things professional."
You need someone there who will be an unbiased witness so that the boss cannot use what you say to him against you later.
Good luck.
2007-07-30 04:57:18 · answer #2 · answered by nowyouknow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Simply put...tell him: "I'm sorry, I do not choose to discuss my personal life during business.". (this is the proper and "legal" responce to this situation).
There should be no reason why he is being so pushy about your life outside of the office and this is just shy of harrassment, sexual or otherwise. If it continues, you may have to go over his head and complain about his behavior.
There are some situations that "being a nice person" just does not apply and you have to put your foot down on this one before it gets too much further... out of hand.
2007-07-30 05:04:48 · answer #3 · answered by mom tree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the Jim from the office approach to his dealings with Michael and just try to have fun with it....I have met strange people like this before and they weird me out too!
2007-07-30 04:58:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
be greatful that there is still nice people in this world. i think ur making a big deal out of someone extending an honest friendship. be greatful there are nice people that still exsist.
2007-07-30 05:36:47 · answer #5 · answered by spadezgurl22 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋