In my job as an executive administrator, I have two support
employees who technically report to me, though they have never
really accepted me as their supervisor.
Q:
In my job as an executive administrator, I have two support employees who technically report to me, though they have never really accepted me as their supervisor. One of them, “Carol,” spends hours chatting with her friends and family on the phone. I discussed this problem with my manager, but he told me not to do anything about it.
Because Carol’s cubicle is located next to mine, I can hear her talking all day long, which makes it hard to concentrate on my work.
As a supervisor, I feel that I should be allowed to move into an office, where I could have some peace and quiet. But as management still seems to see me as support staff, how can I persuade them to give me an office?
A:
The real problem is not that management won’t let you have an office, but that management won’t let you do your job. If you were actually functioning as a supervisor, your request for private space would be easier to justify. So instead of pleading for tranquility, you should ask your boss for a clear definition of your role.
For example: “Although the organization chart shows that Carol and Mary report to me, they don’t regard me as their supervisor because I don’t have any real authority. If I’m actually supposed to supervise them, then we all need to understand what that means. It would be very helpful if you and I could agree on a list of my supervisory duties.”
Ideally, you should leave this discussion with a description of your responsibilities and an agreement that you can actually carry them out. Realistically, however, that may be expecting too much of your boss. Given his reluctance to address Carol’s performance issues, he may not be much of a manager himself.
Q:
Every Friday, a few of us meet in the office kitchen for drinks after work. Last week, two of my co-workers got up and left while I was in the restroom. Since I consider them to be friends, I was quite offended that they didn’t wait to say good-bye.
I know this is not a big deal, but now my feelings about it are interfering with our previously productive relationship. How do you think I should handle this?
A:
The gravity of this offense really depends upon how many people were in the group. If there were only three of you, then bailing during your bathroom break was incredibly rude. But if others were present, you’re being a bit too sensitive. People often exit social gatherings without saying goodbye to each participant.
Even if your drinking buddies did leave you alone, don’t allow one small oversight to spoil an otherwise positive working relationship. The mature response would be to simply let this go. Then, the next time you step away during Friday happy hour, ask them not to leave before you get back.
