Vibes...but not good ones

[gee4]

All too often when things change we become a little bit more susceptible to the opinions of others and a get a more open view of the truth.

Since my move it has become apparent that my boss is, shall we say, not that well liked.  I picked this up during my first few months here but more recently since we moved out of our previous location (when apparently staff applauded knowing my boss had left) to our new spot.

Again today a joke was made about him and while I work (or am supposed to work) for this person, I am not sure what to believe because it seems he has rubbed several people up the wrong way and I really don't want to be part of it all.

Given that I want out of here, would you just dismiss the remarks or would you say something?

[JessW]

Gee,

Keep your head low and your mouth shut - if he is enemy number one, don't let yourself get dragged into someone else's problems (immaterial of whether they are true or false!).

Stay safe and good luck with the escape committee!

Jess

[mlm668]

Listen but don't comment - if you do, you can be sure it will get back to your boss and it is your review that will negatively affected.

I have often worked with and for people who were not always well liked by co-workers, clients, etc.  I just listened and took it all with a grain of salt.  None were doing anything unethical or that would negatively impact me - just rubbed folks the wrong way like your boss.  In some cases, I used those situations to my advantage.  We did work on state contracts that involved EEO documentation/processes.  My boss and the guy in charge of EEO on that districts projects, to put it mildly, had an extreme dislike for each other.  I made a point of be very friendly and helpful to the EEO rep and interceded between my boss and him.  Since I became the point of contact, neither had to deal with each other directly and both were happier for it.  Requirements of the EEO rep were met and my boss stayed out of trouble because things were done as requested and on time.

Maybe you can do something similar - when your boss has to deal with someone he dislikes or you know dislikes him, offer to be a go between of sorts.  This will make you more valued and maybe even help you acquire some duties more to your liking.

Michelle

[gee4]

Thanks.  I just found it very strange that they openly criticised my boss in front of me given I am not in the company very long and still getting to know him and others.

People seem very quick to give their opinion and of course I don't know any different as I am still fairly new.

[peaches2160]

I have taken on the "go-between" role for my boss at times and he appreciates it.

[itsme_calista]

I agree, keep schtum and just do the work.  I worked for a woman who was ruthless and detested, people got to appreciate that I wouldn't say a bad word and often relied on me to "sound" things out.

Over time I gained an excellent reputation for professionalism and I got a lot of respect.  When she left she told me she knew what people said and appreciated the fact that I had stood up at times, kept my mouth closed at others and she knew that I'd bounced ideas for other people.  She, despite her fearsome reputation, put a lot of effort and training into me and I credit her for helping me get to where I am today.

Sometimes the best thing is to listen and then ignore the gossip.

Negativity rages through gossip like wildfire, bet you find if he'd been brilliant and done something excellent no one would care!

[rose.winter1980]

I really feel for you, Gee.  Unfortunately, to a certain degree support staff are defined by their bosses and people will behave towards you in a certain way because of what that boss is doing.  

I had two experiences in my career which illustrate this.  Some years ago, I worked for the head of a department.  The facilities people didn't like him so any requests from his office were poorly attended to.  I got the worst desk, chair, computer and requests for repairs were delayed etc etc.  It's hard to put a brave face on that sort of behaviour and impossible to provide evidence in order to seek some sort of redress.  My only "evidence" was anecdotal - what other people told me, and, boy, don't people enjoy malicious gossip!

The other experience was when I worked in my first job at CEO level. My boss was new and had been recruited to make changes (profound changes, including sackings) to the staff and culture of the company. That boss was not liked at all and again I suffered for it.  Some senior staff openly bullied me and most junior staff completely ignored me.  Fortunately for me, one day my boss overheard one of the directors behaving appallingly to me and took action.

The only thing you can do is to keep smiling and doing your job.  If it all gets a bit too much, you could say to your colleagues, "I hear you.  I appreciate that managers can be difficult, but what would you like me to do about what you are saying?"  Putting people on the spot sometimes works wonders.   It all depends on what level you boss is at in the company and why people "don't like" him.  Sometimes, managers have to make difficult decisions or to hold people to account for their actions.  In other words, they have to manage and do things that are unpopular.

Winter Rose

Laugh long, sing loud and dance when you get the chance