How do I deal with a critical boss?

Question

In an 8 week time period, I incorrectly transcribed a phone number 3 times. Each time it happened, my boss pointed it out and asked, "why can't you get it right?" Each time, I apologized, corrected the number, and said that I would try my best to get the numbers right. On average, he gets about 50 calls per day and I handwrite the messages on a phone log for myself and a phone long for him. On the three occasions, I incorrectly copied the number from my book to his book. I really try my best to be perfect. Today, he said "I am so tired of this!" Not sure what to do? The errors are not deliberate. Any advice?

Thank you for your responses, so far. My boss does not have a computer or smartphone. EVERYTHING comes thru me. He has 35 clients. In the 8 weeks, there have been no complaints about my handling of his correspondence or special events or special projects. His clients are happy. His office is organized. He is "in the loop." I will try harder to be flawless. Thanks Guys.

Answer 1

3 mistakes in 8 weeks!!! Girl, you deserve a raise. He probably makes more than 3 significant mistakes a day. He just doesn't have an overly critical boss to point it out to him. Some people just can't help but criticize. Try to shake it off and not let it get to you. He's the problem, not you. You could try to explain to him in a polite professional way that his expectations are unrealistic, but it's not likely that he will listen or change. If it really bothers you and you can't shake it off maybe you should start looking for another job in a more healthy work environment.

Answer 2

A carbon copy phone message book would work. Unfortunately though the average phone message book only has 200 - 400 message boxes with 4 boxes per page. At the rate of 50 calls a day they will last 1 week max.

I think you are better off using a spreadsheet for this, if you have a computer. I've done this before and it works just fine. Have a column for: Date/Time, Caller, Phone Number, and Message. You'll want to set the message column to "word wrap". When you are ready to give him the messages, just print it out. You can also use this spreadsheet as a phone log by having each day on it's own individual sheet for the whole month. For example: If you work M-F... for Aug '07 your workbook (collection of sheets) will have 23 sheets/tabs.

If you don't have a computer, write up the phone log for him and make a xerox copy of it for yourself, punch holes, and store in a 3-ring binder with monthly dividers.

Answer 3

It can be very frustrating for a boss / supervisor to have to repeatedly correct you on the same issue more than once. If he's had to mention this three times now then he is bound to get frustrated having to tell you constantly. Write instructions down and be careful when copying them over to him. Your best bet would be to buy a telephone pad that has carbon duplicates so you only have to write it down once, he gets the top copy and you have a log of the call underneath. Make sure you repeat the number back to the caller to make sure you wrote it down correctly. It's called attention to detail and in most jobs its very important.

I'm sure the errors aren't deliberate, however, it sounds like you need to pay more attention to your job

Answer 4

Best option is to take your time when writing those number down. Don't rush. You rather get it right by taking 5 minutes than having it written incorrectly in 1 minute.

Answer 5

When given a number, write it down, then ask to read it back to the caller to confirm you have the correct number. If you made a mistake, that should catch it.

Answer 6

Pay attention. That's all. Slow down.

Answer 7

Maybe your boss doesn't realize how critical he is being, or is upset about something else in his job. Talk to him about it if you can, though don't act angry with him.

Answer 8

if you are that bad he should have fired you!
just find another job! cuz this one you are not very good at.