My boss is pissing me off, should I tell him straight or try to be nice about it?

Question

I'm a co ordinator & he's my shift manager. He is not running the shift effectively but as the co ordinator it's my responsibility to pick up the pieces. When I try to make decisions, he overrides them (not all the time). When I ask someone to do something & they don't feel like doing it, they go to him with a lame excuse & he overturns my requests, which makes me look a real mug. Basically, he's a nice guy but he's too nice, spineless even. He is more interested in making people like him than making the team work properly. He isn't there to make friends when all's said & done. I have told him I want to speak to him on Monday. What should I say?

Leu, you're answer is really quite unhelpful, do you make a habit of doing that to people in need of help? Things came to a head yesterday when I tried to offer a solution to an ongoing problem that HIS boss had told him to bottom that day. I was tryin to save HIS *** & he totally undermined my authority. I couldn't talk to him yesterday because my team leader was off & I was standing in for him as well as doing my own work AND trying to cover my bosses sloppy tracks, I don't work Fridays so I have to speak to him on Monday. The reason I explained (or complained about) what is going on is so people would understand my predicament and reply with a useful answer. I am only a co ordinator with minimal experience, the highest post I have had before this one was only team leader, so I am not a professional, I don't claim to be professional, and that's why I am asking for help. That's what yahoo answers is all about isn't it? Asking for help when you need it.

So Leu, does your edit mean you are not going to answer my original question? Which was.....
My boss is pissing me off, should I tell him straight or try to be nice about it?
That's all I asked for, not the third degree.

I don't recall asking "should I get another job?" I don't like your answer because you didn't actually answer the question I wanted answering. I'm not editing again so you can have the last word. Would you mind making that word either "straight" or "nice"?
I am actually good at my job when my boss isn't there. Production figures prove that.

Answer 1

Yeah, just have it out with him, speak plain and simple!
He may be glad of the advice!
And whats worse ? let it brew and BREW?

Answer 2

I would recommend you prepare some written notes before you meet with him. Think of all the points you want to cover with him, and also some examples to illustrate them. Explain why some of his behaviour is making it difficult for you to do your job. Also highlight how the problems are affecting the business (this might make him realise that his behaviour may come back to haunt him). Tell him you appreciate that he may not agree with some of your decisions, but you would like him to deal with this in a way that doesn't undermine your authority - for example, ask him to see you in private if he is unhappy with a decision you have made, so that you can talk it over and come to a resolution.

Make a written record of the meeting and what his reaction was, and also what he has promised (if anything) for the future. If he continues in the same way, then speak to him again, going through all the issues again, and saying that you are not happy that you are still being undermined. Make it clear to him at any second meeting that you may have to take this issue further if he doesn't agree to change things.

If he still doesn't change then go above him to his manager. You might be pleasantly surprised. It sounds like they're already keeping an eye on him and aren't satisfied with some areas of his work, so they may well be happy to find out about these additional issues with him, as it will give them more ammunition.

Keep records of everything he does that undermines you, and also of the discussion you have with him - these records may come in handy later on.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Forgive me, you moan and groan and post a question here stating you've told your shift manager that you want to speak with him on Monday....I suggest you think for yourself since it is you doing all the complaining!

I'm assuming you pulled his collar and then thought I'd better find out what I should say my going on YA - very professional - why couldn't you speak with him today?

EDIT

Stumpymosha

I understand what YA is for - however within your rantings to me you further display much more about yourself (and maybe the company you work for)

"undermined YOUR authority" ? - I don't get it - you don't have any simply because your a co-ordinator with minmal experience - with the experience I have (unless you're a trainee) a company would not employ someone as a co-orinator with very little expereince - though that is where, above, I mention the type of compnay you work for.

It has now become clear.

I would advise you, based on what you have written, to find yourself another job because whatever you say or do will simply be swept away - you have no authority (regardless of the position you're in) - wouldn't that make you happier?

EDIT

I have given you my answer - get yourself another job because you ain't no good with the one you do have. Why take a position - which you have no real experince - and then use YA to find a way of communicating with your boss - you clearly have a lot of maturing to do.

Btw, if you don't like my answer then use the blocking feature if my answer disturbs you too much - as I'm sure some here will agree - I tell it as it is and I'm certainly NOT interested in giving answers that will simply make you want to like me.

EDIT

My last edit: Okay, you want to know what to say? How about this...

...."I will inform you in writing that I intend to quit...[explain here about why].......I am sure I can find a much better job where not only will I be respected but will feel more comfortable having a position that I fully understand and have experience in."

How was that....straight/nice? :o)

Answer 4

I really do feel for you, but if like most industries, its a small world, and if you blow up in his face it is likely to bite you when you move onto a next job (word/reputations spread very quickly, and you'd be suprised the sorts of networks people have).

So you must handle this situation very carefully! Like another poster suggested, read read read! Pop down to Barnes and Noble and go to the business section, I'm sure there will be plenty of books on how to tackle these situations...you can styart off your research on Amzon, note the isbn's and go straight to barnes and noble if you are short on time.

Don't cry and get upset, Youl llive to regret is just as I did! Don't be disrepesctful or use bad words, this wont win you any points, even if he does.

You may also want to drop a line to your HR department if you have one...this is exactly what they are here for, they may even mediate the conversation if its not too short notice. :)

Answer 5

I run a shift team of 9 highly qualified staff. I don't have the luxory of a co-ordinator.
If targets are being met you should consider looking at your own behaviour?
He will ultimately be moved or get sacked on his performance whereas you may not?
I don't know how old you are but I can share with you the wisdom that it takes many years to understand people and how to get the best out of them.
kicking-*** is only one technique.
I advise you to have big very ears and a small mouth. People skills bring with it the ability to communicate at many levels. You may find yourself surrounded by a lot of enemies at all management tiers.

Carefully explain your concerns and really, really try to listen.

Answer 6

There's nothing more irritating than a duff boss, but stay nice. At the end of the day it is better not to make an enemy of him. Just hope he gets the bullet before he shuts the business. I have the boss from hell and she has managed to get our place closed down. If he is a people pleaser he is probably well regarded

Answer 7

You can't directly confront this person like some here are suggesting--he may be spineless but I'll be he attacks when feeling threatened. I agree--start a paper trail for everything. Nice email and say "I suggested x and John wants to do y, if this doesn't work what should I do?" That is more indirect, and may help "train" him a bit.

Answer 8

I agree that you should show him documents on how his behavior is obstructing work.
And this is probably the time to warn him that you're going to bring the case to his superiors.

But there are things that is best not to tell him: it will probably do no good to expose your opinions on his willingness to make friends. People that feel judged may also feel hurt. Only the facts _his acts and the effects on the work environment_ should be enough.
Good luck!

Answer 9

As for a formal meeting, with him and the HR department. If its in your job description you do the day to day running of the shift. Then ask why, his overruling you. Then ask why he see's you as not part of the team, cause of the overruling. You need to do it, before you get to disheartened about your job. Also where running the shift effectively, if its showing on stats, that your shift is running worse then others. Bring it up in a shift meeting and ask him what is going to do to make your shift better.
Good Luck.

Answer 10

Hi. Ask your boss what he wants from you in terms of the job, explaining your concerns in a polite manner. If he gives you answers you don't like, or says one thing and does another, decide whether you want to stay and, if not, find another job first and then resign. Sometimes there's no point in "flogging a dead horse".

Answer 11

Go to his boss and let that person know what is going on. If anything at least the head boss will know your not the problem. Explain it all to the head man. If your guys boss doesn't do anything, then it's time to find a new job, if it bothers you that much.