Evil Boss or Is It Me???

A best friend at work has been promoted and is now your supervisor. Now she has turned wicked. Is it her…or You?? Or, maybe you just do not like your boss, plain and simple.

A previous friend turned boss knows any negativity you may have discussed through the months or years. He or she has a fresh start now, but they know how you have felt in the past. Here is a chance for Both of you to start fresh!

If you blame your boss for too much work, have high expectations that you do not feel are being met, feel that you deserve a promotion because you have been at your company forever, or you do not feel challenged enough, it may be time to look inside.

It is not possible to change other people, so it may be necessary to change personally unless we are up for the challenge of multiple applications and interview after interview constantly looking for a better boss.

It may be possible to learn a few things about ourselves, and how to deal with difficult people.

Do not take personally when your boss, or anyone else for that matter, gives a short answer or acts annoyed. He or she could be preoccupied with a number of any other things, from work related to home life, that have nothing to do with you.  

Always be up front and truthful. If asked if a project will be finished by a deadline, and it will not, say so. Even if your supervisor is upset initially, they will appreciate the honesty later. If they have to report to their supervisor or a client, they would rather be honest than tell them several times that a project is delayed.

Even if it feels like everyone all around is negative, strive to be upbeat.  Look for the positive in situations, as it cannot all be bad. And if all else fails, perform your best for yourself. You can sleep at night knowing you gave your all on a project. Even taking lessons from others on what NOT to do and how NOT to treat others is turning a negative situation into a positive one.

It is never a bad idea to keep track of your projects in a portfolio, and even a calendar. If there is ever a question, you have backup to show your work.  Be specific, “I finished this project in three days which was two days before the deadline”, not just “I finish projects on time”.

Stay involved with the department, offering solutions if a supervisor is unavailable. Co-workers and even other departments will notice you being reliable and available to assist – and who knows? They may have an opening with a different supervisor! 

Did You Not Get the Raise You were Expecting?

(or get the reaction you were expecting when giving a raise?)

If given a raise and you do not think it is enough, ask yourself some questions:

• Did you reach goals you set last year? Look back at your previous review.
• Do you consistently meet deadlines, even pitching in to help others meet theirs?
• Was all of your time filled, or did you offer help when you had spare time? (teamwork)
• Did you double check work before presenting it, avoiding errors?
• Did you come up with a scathingly brilliant idea to save, or make, your department some money?
• Are you on time every day and avoid leaving early? How many breaks do you take in a day?
• How is your attitude? Hopefully not grouchy, tired or negative, aka a sandpaper person. Attempting to be pleasant, positive and even enthusiastic about a new project?

All of the above amount to a good work ethic, teamwork and communication. Take some notes, or make a list, thinking back over the past year. Do you still feel you did not receive a fair raise? If you truly think you have worked hard, contributed much and have a winning attitude, ask for a meeting with your supervisor. Present a portfolio and share accomplishments honestly and professionally. Do not compare with co workers, only worry about your little red wagon. If you are working for a large corporation, there may be room for advancement. If you are working for a much smaller company, there may just not be much room for advancement or larger raises at the time. You should know if this is the case. During a review is the perfect opportunity to express your interest in advancing when openings are available.

On the other hand, if you are an employer and give a raise to an overachieving employee, and they react unenthusiastically, consider the circumstances. If this person is reserved, and would not show excitement no matter the amount of raise they received, it may just be their personality. However, if you feel they are genuinely disappointed, the solution may be to attempt to talk with them. Do not approach as if they are in trouble for not acting surprised. Rather, with the concern, “is everything ok?” This will give them the opportunity to show interest in a promotion, or express dissatisfaction, or assure you they were just having a bad day.