My boss has a hard time keeping his feelings to himself. For
example, he frequently tells us that he’ll probably be fired
because management doesn’t like him.
Q:
My boss has a hard time keeping his feelings to himself. For example, he frequently tells us that he’ll probably be fired because management doesn’t like him. He also says that senior management has doubts about the value of our department.
Because of his paranoid comments, the staff is starting to feel resentful toward the company, and morale is declining rapidly. Personally, I’m very happy with both the company and my job, but my manager’s pessimistic attitude still drags me down. What can I do?
A:
Your group may have a manager, but they certainly don’t have a leader.
Leaders go to great lengths to maintain morale, especially during trying times. Your gloomy boss, on the other hand, seems determined to spread misery.
From a practical standpoint, the most important question is whether your manager’s uncertain future extends to the rest of you. To get a reality check, ask a reliable and trusted executive for an off-the-record opinion. For example: “My boss feels that upper management has an unfavorable view of our department. Is there any truth to that?” Listen carefully to the answer and try to read between the lines.
If your group’s reputation has been tarnished, take steps to clarify expectations and improve management perceptions. But if all seems well, focus on raising your co-workers’ spirits by sharing success stories and discouraging depressing conversations.
Either way, you will help to fill the leadership vacuum left by your ineffectual manager. Fortunately, based on his own prediction, he will probably be gone soon.
Q:
I feel that I am being treated unfairly. I am one of three real-estate agents who work under a broker. While some clients contact us personally, others just call the office and ask to speak to someone. The broker distributes these contacts among the three of us.
I didn’t want this extra work when I had lots of business myself, but now the real-estate market has slowed. Although I have hinted that I would like more contacts, the broker still gives most of them to the other two agents. I’m feeling hurt and angry, so I wonder if it’s time to move on.
A:
The past may be coming back to haunt you. If you offered no assistance when the broker was swamped, she could be less inclined to help you now that business is tight. Routing contacts to your colleagues may be her way of thanking them for pitching in during the boom times.
However, since neither of us can read her mind, your best bet is to simply inquire about this disparity. For example: “I’ve noticed a big difference between Kim and Mary’s workload and my own. I’m certainly willing to take more referrals. Would that be possible?”
Based on her reply, you can decide whether to stay or go. But before jumping ship, remember that real estate is depressed everywhere. As the newbie in another office, you might find yourself with even less to do.
