Signs the boss is not happy

[peaches2160]

Have you ever had that feeling something is troubling your boss and he / she is not happy but won't tell you?  I usually just let it play itself out and it all comes to light sooner or later.  Just wondering what some of the signs are that you pick up on that something is going on, the boss can't talk about, and how do you handle it? 

Quiet
Door closed alot
Worried look in the eyes
Statements ie: "If I'm available I'll do it" not "make me available, I should be there"
Short fuse

[gee4]

It would suggest to me he/she is under pressure from above.

[JessW]

Gee, also don't forget outside factors (one of my bosses has split with his fiance and is taking it bad - but I don't officially know this!)

[gee4]

I never assume things are personal, most people are professional and don't show that side of themselves in work.

If it's that bad then just avoid them.

[officepa]

Mine does not try to hide it when in this type of mood - the whole office knows and dives for cover 

We don't always know what has caused it but personally I try just to carry on as usual with him if I sense something wrong, but know when to keep a wide berth.

As Gee says, usually it is pressure from above and they just work it through.

I think the girlies in the office are more sensitive to bad moods than the men folk - I can tell the way the door opens in the morning as to what type of mood boss is in even before I have looked at his expression.  A bit of stroking goes a long way in making my life easier, cup of tea, biscuit and top ups without being asked usually helps - much like being at home really 

[gee4]

That's where I am different, I don't believe in spoon-feeding.  I'm a PA not a nurse or a social worker.

Personally I would just carry on as normal and ignore the situation.  If people want to open up and confide, they will.

Coaxing and giving them attention sometimes makes things worse, but only my opinion, everyone is different.  I don't think our bosses (male or female) expect any extra attention in this kind of situation.  I would have thought it better to allow them space to deal with things as they see fit.

(Obviously no sympathy here) 

[officepa]

You are hard Gee 

I wouldn't actually call it spoon feeding - just being considerate and noticing when the mood has changed - even if just for my own sake.  As a PA working closely with someone, you can't help notice changes when perhaps someone else wouldn't.  I am certain he doesn't expect to be treated differently when he is like this and I don't go over the top but it does no harm to be kind and make a simple gesture, in my case, tea and biccys - this may go towards him calming down and therefore making my day easier.

I wouldn't actually ask what is wrong - if work related he would say if he wanted me to do anything and I wouldn't really want to know if personal but he usually come out of it and the mood lifts. 

He is human after all and we all have our off days.

[Cathy S]

I'm not averse to offering 'tea and empathy' to a point ... a small gesture of kindness can make all the difference in a stressful day ...

... but I would do the same for any colleague and not just the boss ...

As to the original point, I would continue to work professionally alongside the Boss and try to get on with business as usual, however, I would draw the line at being on the receiving end of unreasonable behaviour ... so for example you mention a short fuse - if whatever the stress is means the bad temper being taken out on me I would speak out, politely but firmly.

Cathy

[gee4]

Not hard, just realistic.

We don't have that kind of set up in my company.  My boss and colleagues make their own tea/coffee or some go to the canteen.

We don't have offices for our Managers/Directors.  Every building is an open plan environment so our set up is very different.

To be honest I don't think there would be much time for those kind of situations.  Our business is fast-paced and it's hit the ground running at all times.

I do think however, someone who is a wife and mother is likely to be more sympathetic than someone who is single with no children.

[peaches2160]

I appreciate the different points of view in handling the situation.  I agree it does vary based on several factors ie: your working relationship with your boss, your office set - up, etc., your personality, etc.   In this case, I think it is pressure from above.  I asked if there were any action items from a meeting the previous day that he needed help with, and I did receive an action item / project of utmost importance.  I also start the day with bringing him his favorite beverage and it does set the tone.  I like to keep the environment relaxed and as hassle free as possible on any given day and I find the day more enjoyable as does he.  Again, in my opinion, this varies with the relationship and the personalities. 

Thanks again for your views.