Who's the Boss?

Question

I work at a small company. 3 people. Me-assistant. Other Owner and Manager. My boss, the Owner, has 75% more clients than the other manager in the office. My boss will tell me to do a task, such a send a package to a client or reschedule a meeting with a client. The Manager will question what I am doing and INSIST that I do it his way which is opposite than what the Owner told me to do. When I assert that I will do what I was told, the Manager sulks, slams his door, ignores me, or calls to tell his wife about the situation but speaks in Spanish, so I cannot understand him. I am not sure what to do. The Owner gets very upset with me when he finds out that I did not follow his instructions. Do I tattle on the Manager? They have worked together for 7 years and I have been here 3 months...

Answer 1

Difficult situation. Apparently the manager wants to assert his or her position. Outside of you - the manager is the bottom guy on the totem pole and is SOOOOO glad you are there.

The manager may even be a little insecure about you taking his/her position one day. Do what the owner says. Continue to politely tell the manager that the owner requested it be done in a certain way when questioned. It's important to respect your manager - but the bottom line is the owner writes both your checks.

If at any time it becomes very stressful - no need to tattle on the manager. Simply confront the owner that there seems to be a difference in approach and perhaps he/she can speak to the manager while you are present so everyone is on the same page. Let's hope it doesn't get this far.

Answer 2

You are not tattling! You need to speak with your manager first. You don't want to get on his bad side by going directly to the owner. Just tell him that when it's his(manager's) stuff, you'll do it his way. When it's the owner's things, you'll do it owners way. Tell your manager that you understand that everybody has their own way & you're more than happy to do "it" both ways. This avoids an confilict in a small office.

Now, if you manager continues to get upset, then you tell the owner. But remember, you DON'T take any abuse from anyone. Not even your bosses! If you can't get anything accomplished, then find another job. It's not worth the stress.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Bring the manager and the owner together and tell them that having two bosses that don't agree on how to delegate the same thing is making you confused and stressed-out. Tell them that a way to handle this situation is that the owner needs to delegate the task to the manager; then the manager delegates whatever task to the employees. The employees should answer to the manager; thus the manager answers to the owner. Thats the chain of command that works.

Answer 4

If he only has 25 percent of the clients then he has little grounds to say anything at all. I think you already have done what you can. Let him sulk and when he asks you to do something for him then say, I will be very glad to when I am finished with what i have to do for your boss.

Say to the owner one day this. >name>>> sure likes to act like a child most of the time. If the owner has any idea what he is like he will let you know. If he does not he will ask you questions.
If they are related then be careful.

Answer 5

letiferIX is absolutely, positively right!
I have been in your shoes, I have been an owner and a manager - take letiferIX's advice. It's the single approach that will ensure that you are seen as professional and mature in your approach to work by both parties.

Just remember that the Owner pays your salary - you really have to give him the work-product he asks for.

Answer 6

You must sit down immediately with the owner and tell him you are caught in the middle. Ask him to tell the manager that you follow his instructions only. Tell him that you are tired of being pulled from both directions and that you want clarification on what you job duties are and who's lead you follow.

Answer 7

I know exactly how you feel. At my last job, the president and vice president of the company squabbled constantly, and their demands of me occasionally conflicted.

My solution was to prove that I could work effectively in a certain way - in that case, the way the vice president had suggested - and that the president's way was inefficient. Eventually, he got the idea and left me alone.

Try not to get stressed by the situation! No matter what happens, it won't be your fault, but theirs.

Answer 8

Always do what the owner tells you first priority. If it becomes a problem, tell the owner. Communication is key.

Answer 9

thats harrassment file a complaint. get resume put togather. start looking for another job, so your safe. you dont need this crap

Answer 10

That actually is quite normal and either of these fellows can fire you for not following orders.