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raindance
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« on: July 26, 2004, 02:37:36 pm » |
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Group dynamics are very subtle. This seems to be about job demarcation lines, but I also think there is a good old-fashioned power-struggle at play here. It appears that you have been hired to do a job, but this lady cannot let go of the job she used to do and this situation is partly exacerbated by the fact that you share an office. Effectively, you are a newcomer on "her" territory - territory where she used to be Top Cat or Top Dog, so you are possibly at a psychological disadvantage. But you should be aware that she may feel threatened by you. You are Bossie's PA and therefore potentially privy to all sorts of information to which she used to have access. In addition there is just the possibility that you may do things "better" than she did, although, unless she was extremely incompetent, you may not necessarily do things "better"; you will do them in a different way. Equally, she may not be sure of her capabilities in her new role. So I guess I am suggesting that you be a bit sensitive to these potential issues.
I am interested that she asked YOU to tell your boss that SHE would like you to learn her job. I would have handled that differently. If she makes this sort of suggestion again - and if you are agreeable to that suggestion - then you should ask HER to approach your boss, saying that she has discussed it briefly with you to see whether you would be prepared to help.
Your boss is paid to manage and it's his task to manage this situation so that you can all work in peace. It also seems to me that your boss needs to be made aware that his way of dealing with this isn't helping you assert the natural authority you should have as his PA, but that needs the greatest tact and discretion.
I would keep a diary of things that happen in the office for the next three weeks or so (apart from the time when she is on leave). Then arrange an appointment with your boss to discuss this matter. You need to give him specific examples, and then ask for his help in resolving this matter. I would also make specific requests "I would prefer to have sole responsibility for your emails, expenses etc etc".
Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Raindance
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