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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> new supervisor
        
(Message started by: Charlotte on Aug 16^th, 2006, 9:12am)

Title: new supervisor
Post by Charlotte on Aug 16^th, 2006, 9:12am

I just got a new supervisor. I like her & have had no problem respecting her, although when she sends an email & says she needs something in the next 5 minutes, I may not check the email for 40 minutes because I am working on another task and inadvertently fail to obey.

We had our 1st clerical staff meeting yesterday at 4:30 p.m. The new super said things like "I know what's really going on here" and get on board or get out, so this doesn't look like smooth sailing. (Didn't ask what she was talking about because I've learned from past experiences that I don't really want to know.)

So last night, I called my friend Jacki and worked out a short numerical code so I can swear at work without swearing, #1 - f... b.tch, #2 f...ing b.tches, etc. I'm open for creative derogatory phrases to add to my #code - so please email me with creative expletives.

I still love my job. I'm flexible. I'm glad I'm physcially getting some relief so I will have more strength to be be on guard and remain a happy person.

Charlotte

Title: Re: new supervisor
Post by Cathi04 on Aug 16^th, 2006, 10:15am

So, Charlotte, #3 can be."bite me, pond scum!"!!!

Awwm I just hate it when good people hit rough patches!
Whatever this woman "thinks" is going on.well, it's not coming from you. You simply stay the course and you'll be fine!
I find in times of chaos, if I can stay low-key, I'm rewarded by watching the fur fly around me, and it's kinda fun!

Charlotte, you hang in there! you're good at what you do and you're dedicated!

I'm glad you have your head somewhat under control!
You know whre I am if you want a vent session, girl!

Lotsa hugs,
Cathi

Title: Re: new supervisor
Post by georgej on Aug 16^th, 2006, 10:48am

on 08/16/06 at 09:12:42, Charlotte wrote:

We had our 1st clerical staff meeting yesterday at 4:30 p.m. The new super said things like "I know what's really going on here" and get on board or get out, so this doesn't look like smooth sailing. (Didn't ask what she was talking about because I've learned from past experiences that I don't really want to know.)

Charlotte

Usually I don't like to know what's going on either.

Direct action, like complaining or going over their heads usually doesn't work.

Couple of time-tested remedies from a long-time government hack for dealing with small-time paranoiacs and tightly wound control freaks:

1. Subtly increase the level of paranoia by small, untraceable acts of indirection. Sometimes they implode from the pressure like a tinfoil submarine. They're not built for the long haul.

2. Reward "good" behavior with compliments and thank you's. Do not acknowledge or respond to "bad" behavior. Your supervisor is probably new at this, and her head is probably a bit wobbly. It's often possible to"train" your supervisor in this way so that after a while she'll leave people alone to get their jobs done. Takes a while, but after a bit she may become someone you can live with. May not work at all, though, if she's got a serious head-trip going on.

Macchavelian wishes for better times,

George

Title: Re: new supervisor
Post by Mattrf on Aug 16^th, 2006, 12:21pm

Boy that sucks, I am sorry the new boss is turning into a b*tch, hang tough and just do your job and you can get through it.

Matt

Title: Re: new supervisor
Post by JeffB on Aug 16^th, 2006, 12:25pm

"I know whats going on here"?????
Sounds a bit self contious.

Title: Re: new supervisor
Post by Charlotte on Aug 16^th, 2006, 1:43pm

Thank you, Cathi, #3 it is.

I will give her plenty of chances. Maybe she feels cornered. It seemed bizarre.

George, I like your second suggestion and will give it a go.

Charlotte

ps Jeff, as someone who has been in a boss situation, does this seem normal. You think just being cautious like she has been burned somewhere else? thx, cw

Title: Re: new supervisor
Post by ShadowLord on Aug 16^th, 2006, 5:09pm

on 08/16/06 at 09:12:42, Charlotte wrote:

Sounds like she may have taken a bit of management training to me... New sups and managers tend to use phases like these to shake up the ppl that either know they aren't pulling their weight, or think they aren't. Most of the time, it's a good thing to not ask for clarification, because that may indicate that you are in one of the aforementioned groups. The next thing she may start doin' is randomly asking ppl if they are team players. The pressure will eventually make the weak quit, and the stronger slackers slip up and get fired, leaving just the real workers... At least in theory. More often than not, I've noticed that it creates so much disharmony, that eventually the sup is forced to change tactics, get moved to another group, or quit.

The way I see it... If you're doin' your job, don't let it get to you... Either they're tellin' the truth, and you shouldn't be on their hitlist, or it's just a management tactic, and the less you let it worry you, the better you'll look.

PFDAN......................................... ShadowLrd

Title: Re: new supervisor
Post by Charlotte on Aug 16^th, 2006, 10:31pm

Thank you for the explanation and that makes sense. I like her, so I didn't get where the wierdness came in. Just standard training, huh.

Thanks, Shadow.