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Title: I Feel Threatened Here Post by: bohorquez on August 30, 2001, 08:23:11 am Ok maybe it's me, but bossy #4 comes up to me and tells me that they're getting me a temp because I'm swamped with work. Plus Bossy's number #1, 2 and 3 haven't not showed up yet so I don't what's going to be the workload from them.
So I'm thinking what if she's really good and therefore making me look bad! YIKES! Give me some reassurance here!! Bridget (This all happened because of yesterday, went to the hospital because OB/GYN thought I was having an allergic reaction and the baby was in danger) sigh what a week!!! Title: Re: I Feel Threatened Here Post by: elleny on August 30, 2001, 08:47:00 am I feel you. My bosses got me a temp when I got reall swamped too. I felt really threatened because I knew she had more than I did, but I took control, and lead her. I was really open to any suggestions she had, but made sure that I lead each and every project we did together. My only advice is to make sure she knows that she is here to support YOU, not the other way around.
Ellen (it'll be ok) in TX Title: Re: I Feel Threatened Here Post by: whitesatin on August 30, 2001, 09:32:29 am Look on the bright side. Your bosses see you are swamped. They see you have physical limitations and they are trying to protect you and your baby. If you were the temp coming in, would you want the person you are there to help to automatically be jealous of you? I don't think so. Give her/him a chance. If it isn't working, let Bossy know right away.
There are a lot of admins out there, like you, that are swamped and begging for help. Their pleas are falling on deaf ears. Be happy and grateful that your bossy wants to take care of you and baby. Hope you are feeling better and baby is fine. Enjoy yourself. WhiteSatin Title: Re: I Feel Threatened Here Post by: energizer on August 30, 2001, 10:28:04 am I agree that having the boss recognize that you needed the help of a temp is a GOOD thing. He probably thought you'd thank him profusely for his acute awareness!! But what he should have done was ask you first -- so that you wouldn't see his gesture in the wrong light. But then, bosses are notoriously known for being clueless when it comes to diplomacy and their admins!
My suggestion -- thank him profusely for being so considerate of your condition, then ask him to be specific as to which tasks he would like you to delegate to the temp. Also ask him how long you will have the "gift" of this additional help. That will make him feel appreciated, will put him on notice in a non-threatening manner that you want to be consulted first on anything that impacts your job, and that you are operating on the assumption you will be the temp's immediate supervisor. It will also send the message that you are "aware" that this situation is only temporary. Now, can I borrow your temp for a few days??? Energizer Title: Re: I Feel Threatened Here Post by: countrigal on August 30, 2001, 10:29:02 am I understand your plight and wish you the best. Most temps will come in with the attitude of helping, not trying to take over. Just do like suggested above and let them know you appreciate them helping you, take the lead in everything you can (I'd say funnel projects and such through you, even some of the mundane daily tasks until the precedent is set) and then let her do her job of helping. She'll be able to take care of a lot of the mundane, daily trudgery, be support for larger projects, and it sounds like it might be someone who could fill in while you're out with your new baby so you won't come back to an office of chaos. If the temp does turn out to be the type to take control and seems to be after your job, talk to him/her and then talk to bossie about your concerns. Give the temp a chance to help you and your baby... And relax, it'll be fine! Bossie cares enough about his admin to get you a temp - he's not about to throw you out on your ear just because new is there. AND, you get an opportunity to learn from someone else. She/he might know more in areas than you do so look at it as an opportunity to learn and grow, which makes you more valuable to the company than ever.
(something I learned in business classes: Hiring and training new employees is cost-prohibitive if you can give some training to existing employees and get more work from them. Offering additional training ops costs less and maintains employees more, and ultimately makes a happier work environment than hiring new employees who have a specific skill but don't know the company or how the company works.) Give the baby a nice serene evening, put your feet up, and look forward to having help. You'll do excellent! Title: Re: I Feel Threatened Here Post by: ozbound on August 31, 2001, 12:03:03 am I agree with the above posters. I think you'll do just fine. My company had a temp fill in for me while I was on vacation a couple weeks ago, and she was so smart (she has a Master's Degree, yikes!) and professional-looking that I felt a little overshadowed. But I was happier to have someone who caught on quickly and did the job well than someone who would have left a mess. They still missed me while I was gone--because I tell you what, no matter how good the temp may be, there is still only one YOU!
Title: Re: I Feel Threatened Here Post by: radaro on August 31, 2001, 12:36:25 am Have to agree but my first gut reaction to the whole thing was that bossie is a man and what happened to you the other day falls in the category of: "scary 'women' troubles that male bossies have no clue about".
Some times male bosses (especially single ones) are a bit freaked out by your "delicate condition" and through either shear altruism or total fear of litigation immediately jump to the conclusion that you are delicate. Remember, right now your primary concern is you and taking care of your womb-mate. Yes, I TOTALLY understand feeling threatened but I agree with the other poster about enjoy it while you can. Title: Re: I Feel Threatened Here Post by: solargal on August 30, 2001, 01:44:23 pm I remember when I was going thru my easy pregnancy almost 30 years ago my single boss didn't even want me doing anything let alone basic typing on the TWX/telex machine (didn't have computers back in THOSE days). He was so worried that I would hurt myself for the last several months I just sat at my desk and read brochures or whatever I could get my hands on. I thought it was different these days!
Title: Re: I Feel Threatened Here Post by: bethalize on August 30, 2001, 03:35:19 pm I presume you are taking maternity leave of some sort - maybe they want someone around who has had time to acclimatise, and who is made in your own image?
Title: Get over it, Bridget! Post by: goldenearring on August 30, 2001, 07:02:38 pm It's hormones!!! LOL Everything will be o.k. Bosses like that are hard to find, and they really have *everybody's* best interests at heart. Be glad that they are so proactive. They will no doubt welcome you back with open arms. Just be sure to stay in touch while you're out!!
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