Jun
I just started this position. I am supposed to take over the office managers position for a month and a half while she’s on medical leave. So she’s training me to do her job, only problem is she’s terrible at training!!
she goes through everything like I know exactly whats up.. Andits getting time for her to leave (her last day is on July 1st) and theres still ALOT I dont understand. Im really good about asking if I dont comprehend things, but even when she answers, its just weird.. again like I know everything.
How can I tell her that Im getting a lot.. but theres still a bunch I dont get because she sucks at training? But nice?
Answer:
Hi, I’ve been in similar situations. I hate it when they pretend you know everything. It is a defense mechanism to show superiority over newbies. Maybe she is annoyed and worried that someone is taking over so she might be doing this on purpose. Here is what you have to do:
1- You’ve to get a notebook and write down EVERYTHING she tells you. If she sees you writing down everything she’ll have to tell you everything cuz she’ll be in trouble later. That way when she comes back and states something that you missed you can show her the notebook and state she never told you the details.
2- Make a list of all the things you dont understand –be very specific– and ask each and write the questions one by one with her answer.
3-Prepare lists in your computer of important people and their telephone numbers.
4-Know how the phone works, how to transfer and pick up calls, and who to call in case of a problem (computer, phone, food, assistance).
5-Know the names and numbers of each person's assistant or helper. Those are the ideal.
6-Write down secret codes, like the copier, fax, paper, addresses, personal programs, etc.
7-Be friendly to the rest of the team. Now isn’t the time to be shy, you might give a bad impression.
Hope this helps!
Answer:
Just tell her that there are a few things you still don't quit comprehend and you would appreciate if could be a little more specific.
As for a nice way to tell her “she sucks at training”, just state that her training style is not compatible with your learning style. Your learning style isn't any better than her training style, you just prefer to read in detail exactly what you're going to be doing rather than taking a more hands on approach. She should appreciate your honesty and either slow down or try to explain the job duties in more detail.
Answer:
As a lousy instructor, I can understand your situation. First I want you to understand that you are not the problem. There’s a solution but you’ll have to communicate below each of your own intelligence levels. I advocate an eighth grade level as this is about the point at which communication is easy but thorough. If she is capable of meeting you on that level, she will tell you what needs to happen in a given situation and you’ll grasp it swiftly.
Answer:
Only thing I have the ability to advocate is to get a notebook and write down the steps as you\she do them. This will at least show that you are trying.
Sometimes the only way to learn is “trial by fire” which is what each new person in our office has to go through. You hit the floor running and you don't stop.
Good luck, I'm sure you’ll come out on the other side in fine shape.
Answer:
I bet she did terrible training on purpose so that she has the ability to keep her old job in other words she doesn't want to lose her job. I think she tricked you. But you just have to find another way to ask other staff or other office manager to help you to do superior.
Coolguy
Answer:
Tell her since the time for her to leave is drawing close, you would like her to critique or watch you do some tasks. That way you can go as far as you know and when she shows you the rest it might stick superior.
Answer:
You may want to ask her if there are any written procedures. That way you can also refer back to them.
Ask her to explain each task with basic, step-by-step instructions.
Answer:
tell her she needs to be more through with her answers
Answer:
Write out a VERY detailed list of what you need her to elaborate on. Tell her that you still have questions about the job/procedures and would like to go over them with her. I think once she sees that you have written questions and want more specific details, she’ll understand that she's not explaining herself well enough.
Question: is there anyone else besides her who knows what's up so that once she leaves if you're stuck on something you can ask someone or is she IT in the entire place?
Could she be wanting to be vague due to the fear that she'll come back from medical leave to no job? Something to consider.
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