Apr
I work in a very small company, it is my boss and me. She is Miranda Priestly from the motion picture. She hands me 20 things to do, anticipates me to stop mid stream repeatedly to answer the phone, answer the door, deal wtih clients, make lunch, serve lunch and clean up after lunch deal with each emotional crisis she has, and or wrap the latest gift for her boyfriend or son. Then while I’m in the middle of this she asks me if I have gotten these 20 things done and gets angry and yells at me about not getting them done.
I am a wreck because of this I am having anxiety attacks like you wouldn't believe. I have no health care, I can’t take time off ot go and sort out MediCare. I am working on finding another position but if anyone can help me with ideas on what the blazes I can do to deal with this woman I would greatly appriciate it.
thank you
Answer:
Each time she gives you something, show her that you’re adding it to your 'to do' list. Ask her which items are more of a priority and concentrate on those. Also keep some type of time record (a daily calendar with hours on it) - mark down every call answered, clients' questions, LEAVE YOUR DESK FOR LUNCH (so she can’t keep bothering you) and set the gift aside for the end of the day, when you have time for it. When she sees your list, maybe her eyes will open up. For your personal growth, perhaps you could get a book on personal management. That might help you toward finding a new job or whatever may happen next.
Good luck and always smile. Kill them with kindness!
Answer:
One thing that stuck in my mind was you mentioned chaotic. You also mentioned things that she has you do repeatedly. So, since you know she’s going to ask you to do these things, get both of you on a schedule. It will make your life much easier and also hold your boss acountable for her expectations of your performance.
Answer:
you need to ignore her at times. when she starts on a rampage just continue what you’re doing and tell her that you’re trying to get things done, but can't because she is still there yelling at you. don't wrap presents for her, don't clean up behind her, unless that’s in your job description give it to the maids. but honestly find a new job.
Answer:
You’ve my sympathy. I have worked for people like that.
One suggestion is to ask her what to do next–not in a sarcastic way, but openly, as if you’re just asking for help. Which you’re. When you are typing a letter and she asks you to do something else, say “would you like me to complete this letter first?” When she yells, quietly say, “I am sorry. I’m doing this as fast as I have the ability to. I will let you know as soon as I’m done.”
This might calm her down. But most important, it will help you feel more in control. YOU do one thing at a time, and make her TELL you the priorities. You’ll feel more in control, even if it is unpleasant. Good luck finding something better.
Answer:
That's an hideous picture you paint! If what you've painted is reality, then a change would definitely be due. Generally speaking, you’re not going to change someones personality. The only thing you can do is set her up for reasonable expectations.
If she hands you 20 projects, and you know you already have 10 more things to do beyond that, then take charge and ask her:
“What are the most pressing projects and when are they due? I think it will take me 2 hours/days/weeks to complete them.”
The other thing you can do is map out your day on paper. If you honestly don't have the resources (that being time) to do the work, then prove it to her. Ask what strategies she would suggest to be more efficient. She might not even recognize that you’re completely overwhelmed and that she’s asking for you to be superhuman.
Those are just some ideas to get you started.
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