Started a new job with great opportunities but my manager has an attitude problem. What to do?

[Anonymous]

I’ve been unemployed for a couple months so it’s fortunate starting in the medical/office work field. However, my manager is a late 20s to early 30s year old woman with an attitude problem. It’s obvious they made her manager just from being there the longest and understaffing.

I’m still in training so whenever I ask a question she rolls her eyes, sighs, mumbles under her breath, and speeds through her “explanations” to run off leaving me still dumbfounded. Then when I’m expected to do my job, she points out every minor issue of my work due to her lack of leadership.

I got hired through HR but have been unable to contact them. Now, I’m on my third week and I feel like if I don’t straighten up then I’ll be getting the “it’s not working out” conversation.

[Oliverlogan263]

Aw man, that super blows about your boss being so rude and unhelpful during training. Not cool of her to act that way, and it's definitely not your fault she wasn't prepared to train people properly.

I'd say try not to let her bad attitude get you down - you got the job cause you seemed like the right person for it, not cause of her. Maybe see if you can find any coworkers she isn't a jerk to and ask if they can offer extra help when she's being lame.

As for reporting her, don't waste your time with HR if you can't reach them easy. But you could drop hints to make it clear you won't put up with disrespect - like if she sighs when you ask something, you sigh right back at her! Or mention to the doctor/whoever's above her how the trainings aren't very helpful so far.

Don't let her scare you into thinking one little mistake means you'll get canned either. You're still learning! As long as you show you're trying your best, most places won't fire new people that quick.

Hang in there man, hopefully she'll chill or you can find other folks to learn from more. Don't need that negativity ruining a good opportunity!

[molonski2]

Things change quickly bro , dont toss it in , as you know the hardest part is starting off in a new gig , and although she sounds like an absolute bitch , its probably all about some unrelated issue in her life.

Try the super cheesey resposonse and go out of your way to be nice to her , don't react when she either , " rolls her eyes , or is critical " , its phycology 101 bro , I've used his many times , react in the absolute reverse of what she expects you to , say sht like " Ohh , thankyou so much Susan , now I can see it " , ham it up a bit , once you break the barrier she will be putty in your hands.

Remember , she wants you to react with pain / stress - dont. Forget HR , that never works , those people are snakes in sheep clothing.

[SueShe]

What you do is to prepare a list where you see conflicts and how these conflicts were handled by your manager and bring your own suggestion how she should have handled these issues.

You are obviously in a disadvantage position compared to her but that is no reason why she should not be professional and teach you how things are done correctly rather than to roll her eyes.

Once you have all necessary data, make an appointment by email with HR and make sure to bring all the relevant data. Never accuse her of being incapable or misusing her powers because HR will protect her. If, on the other hand, you come up with hard facts, then they may have to act upon her. Good luck.

[Asker]

Thank you. This is actually helpful information and I’ll definitely be keeping notes just incase anything goes down hill from here.

[TommyMountainFigure]

I have sadly been in that very same situation. I had the options to leave with a whimper, or go out fighting WITH the potential to stay if my plan worked. I took the latter. So, what did I do and would I recommend you do?

I went and spoke to her, very quietly when there was nobody else about, and I spoke to her like a fellow human being wanting to get on in this world.. I said to her. "I'm not sure if you're giving me a hard time because you hate me or are simply testing my resilience, but I really want to succeed here, I'm not out to make life difficult for you and I honestly believe I can be of use to this company and given the chance, maybe even be someone you like. All I ask is you try helping me when I need it as opposed to making me feel as if I am nothing more than something you stepped in"

For me? It worked great for a week then she went back to her old self and made my life a misery so I left, siting her as my reason for doing so..

BUT, it is STILL the option I recommend!

[Anonymous]

Be grateful for the opportunity. It will give you the right attitude for what your about to do. Be proactive. Tap into the resources around you. It's like a law teacher once told me, "Be imaginitive, and create the best path to your goal."

Suggestions:

1) Check online for any knowledge. Videos, forums or 101 literature about your job. Access the local library.

2) Find a colleague and friend them. Over lunch or someway, to ask how they do their job.

If still clueless at some parts after the above, makthemselves. Be precise as to what you know, and what you're missing. Request a meeting with your boss to go over the list. Be polite and inform them you love your job here and you want to be as efficient as possible, and have a few questions when they have time. You have to make her feel apart of a team. By expressing your "love" for the job and showing initiative, she'll be more inclined to help someone helping themself.

[Opinion Owner]

Typo- make a list to give them. Not, makthemselves.

[Avicenna]

Have you tried talking to her?