How do you discuss problems with your boss?

[acctnt shan]

Ha, well the way my job is set up, I have different bosses all the time... (we get assigned to a new team every time we switch clients). If you get stuck with one that's miserable, at least you can look forward to switching to a new one. But the downside is that if you get a good one, you switch off them too. We also have to deal with difficult people at the client too, haha.

I've become very good at "making nice" with people I don't like at this job. If you can't fake it till you make it, you don't do very well here.

 

[HK]

You know normally, I can tolerate most anyone. I'm not the sort of person who clashes with others much! I've had plenty of colleagues in the past that weren't exactly stellar, but you shut up and get on with it.


This boss is just like nothing else. I can't decide if he's knowingly vindictive, or just stupid enough to think he's being subtle.

 

[darkcgi]

I fake it well as well
but ill say I have been there

currently my boss however stressed and frustrated she is
she has been professional and Christian like thank GOD she is of the faith to give her an outlet other than me
and she has been very caring
just wish wasn't so grouchy but its that heightened mood that when she is in a good mood she is in a really good mood
I'm tasked to do two jobs one the one I was hired for and the other a talent she found out I have and has exploited it to no end without compensation however it allows for me to spend much of my time towards something that would rather be doing anyway
so as far as compensation screw it for now

 

[AnitaBeer]

If possible make sure someone else is in this meeting with you.
I don't know your boss, but having someone there to be a mediator if needed or to back up everything that gets said incase it leads to more issues would be a good idea.

 

[HK]

If possible make sure someone else is in this meeting with you.
I don't know your boss, but having someone there to be a mediator if needed or to back up everything that gets said incase it leads to more issues would be a good idea.

Good advice. He's said he wants to have a group meeting initially, but I do worry he's going to want a one-on-one chat as well, which bothers me. I'm going to talk to one of my colleagues beforehand and suggest we try and stick together through it.

 

[AnitaBeer]

Good advice. He's said he wants to have a group meeting initially, but I do worry he's going to want a one-on-one chat as well, which bothers me. I'm going to talk to one of my colleagues beforehand and suggest we try and stick together through it.

I would recommend someone from HR, but yea definitely have someone in the meeting the two of you have.

 

[HK]

I would recommend someone from HR, but yea definitely have someone in the meeting the two of you have.

Oh this is part of the problem really, the company is that small, we don't even have an HR department. There's me, one other administrator, one sales girl, the accountant and our two bosses.


In some ways I like the cosiness of it, but on the other hand it means you've got no one to go to if you've got a problem with someone.

 

[AnitaBeer]

Oh this is part of the problem really, the company is that small, we don't even have an HR department. There's me, one other administrator, one sales girl, the accountant and our two bosses.


In some ways I like the cosiness of it, but on the other hand it means you've got no one to go to if you've got a problem with someone.

Oh I gotcha. Well then I'm sure anyone you know who would be non judgmental and wouldn't pick sides would be good.
I didn't realize it was so small. You are right that it does make it hard to go to someone when issues arise.

 

[pjbleek]

Oh this is part of the problem really, the company is that small, we don't even have an HR department. There's me, one other administrator, one sales girl, the accountant and our two bosses.


In some ways I like the cosiness of it, but on the other hand it means you've got no one to go to if you've got a problem with someone.

in that case I would strongly advise you to consult a labor attorney and have some sort of mediator on this.

 

[Aeval]

Working in such a small environment is difficult when people don't get along, it's hard to hide personal feelings.

In the past, I've had to write down the issues I have that are negatively affecting the company, not my personal loathing for the boss or co-worker, but things I know need improvement, again, removing all personal feeling.

If, during a meeting, feelings came into play and perhaps a conversation got heated - I would always remind myself of the 'big picture' and what we're trying to achieve and always bring it back to the point at hand, putting aside the feeling of wanting to strangle the other person.

Again, what I would remind myself is: I may not have to like the person but I have to work with them, focusing on how much of a douchebag he/she is will not do anything but give ME ulcers and the douche is still carrying on like he's a super-hero. I just did what needed to be done while busting my ass looking for another job, which, by the way, I have and I love it here.

Not much of a help, I know, but all I'm trying to say and what has worked for me in the past is to ignore the prick and focus on the job at hand. Good luck!