Hi All,
I am facing a problem for which I would like to know your advice. I am working with an organisation for last 5 years. My boss requires all the answers within seconds. I face the problem when the questions are like what is the meaning of financial term or what is the formula of the particular ratio ? I am working in the technology dept and it is not easy for me to remember the ratio formulae's or the meaning of the financial terms. Thought I am working on reading and understanding the ratios and financial terms, many times when such questions arises my reply is i need to check / i dont remember.
This has given an impression to my boss that I dont remember things which is not true. I remember the tasks which I am supposed to do but not codes / formula. And now she always double check the things which I am supposed to do with my seniors because she thinks I dont remember anything. I would like to know your expert advice on how to work with her and assure her that I may be bad at financial terms but am good in the tasks for which I have joined the company.
Regards,
Deepa.
From India, Mumbai
86I am facing a problem for which I would like to know your advice. I am working with an organisation for last 5 years. My boss requires all the answers within seconds. I face the problem when the questions are like what is the meaning of financial term or what is the formula of the particular ratio ? I am working in the technology dept and it is not easy for me to remember the ratio formulae's or the meaning of the financial terms. Thought I am working on reading and understanding the ratios and financial terms, many times when such questions arises my reply is i need to check / i dont remember.
This has given an impression to my boss that I dont remember things which is not true. I remember the tasks which I am supposed to do but not codes / formula. And now she always double check the things which I am supposed to do with my seniors because she thinks I dont remember anything. I would like to know your expert advice on how to work with her and assure her that I may be bad at financial terms but am good in the tasks for which I have joined the company.
Regards,
Deepa.
From India, Mumbai
Oh Deepa,
Relax.
Did your boss tell you that she does not have faith in you. Or have your formed your own opinion.
I would term its good that she is checking with ur Sr and double checking...this would give her confidence in having faith in you going ahead. Also why are you worrying if she is checking/double checking...Let her do her Jobwhat she has to do and you continue doing your job as always.
There is nothing wrong not to know something....but ofcourse morally wrong to pretend that you know everything and one day fall on your own image. On that count you are doing good.
Continue to do what you are doing and keep tab on what codes/financial terms your boss frequently requires and do some research on them...just in case you can use them at right time to impress her.
All the best.
Ukmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
Relax.
Did your boss tell you that she does not have faith in you. Or have your formed your own opinion.
I would term its good that she is checking with ur Sr and double checking...this would give her confidence in having faith in you going ahead. Also why are you worrying if she is checking/double checking...Let her do her Jobwhat she has to do and you continue doing your job as always.
There is nothing wrong not to know something....but ofcourse morally wrong to pretend that you know everything and one day fall on your own image. On that count you are doing good.
Continue to do what you are doing and keep tab on what codes/financial terms your boss frequently requires and do some research on them...just in case you can use them at right time to impress her.
All the best.
Ukmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
Thank you Ukmitra and Manish for your encouraging words.
Ukmitra - Double checking with my seniors is ok once twice thrice. But it has become her habit oflate. And her way is not calling in cabin and discusing. But her way is to shout from the cabin and asking from my seniors whether I am right or not. And my seniors usually come in her cabin and understand what she is asking and give their opinion which is always in my support.
Problem is when she shouts from the cabin entire team of mine hears her saying "is deepa right in what she is suggesting" whereas what my seniors say is in her cabin nobody hears. This has resulted in few of my team members who are directly reporting to me not believing me and going their own way in doing things and sometime they land in the problems and when came in contact with my boss they normally say "deepa has not thought us this because of which mistake has happened. May be she forgot to tell us that important point which has resulted in this" Isnt this wrong ?
From India, Mumbai
Ukmitra - Double checking with my seniors is ok once twice thrice. But it has become her habit oflate. And her way is not calling in cabin and discusing. But her way is to shout from the cabin and asking from my seniors whether I am right or not. And my seniors usually come in her cabin and understand what she is asking and give their opinion which is always in my support.
Problem is when she shouts from the cabin entire team of mine hears her saying "is deepa right in what she is suggesting" whereas what my seniors say is in her cabin nobody hears. This has resulted in few of my team members who are directly reporting to me not believing me and going their own way in doing things and sometime they land in the problems and when came in contact with my boss they normally say "deepa has not thought us this because of which mistake has happened. May be she forgot to tell us that important point which has resulted in this" Isnt this wrong ?
From India, Mumbai
Yes, it is. wrong....:)
I feel even your boss is very insecure to shout like that :)....I am sure even she might be creating an opnion of herself unconsiously in others minds. so don't worry...
As rightly said in one of the article in citehr by an expert, when it rains you need to protect your self. we can't blame the rain, why it did not inform me before pouring. So you need combact this attacks, if you are feeling hurt. I would have just ignored this and impress upon my colleagues on "finally she (Boss) agreed to what I have to say"....
So my suggestion, go out and take it aheadone with your boss smartly. Next time she shouts...you shout back in low tone ofcourse ...maam do want me to explain that you again and rush in with your Sr in her cabin and stand there....:). Funny but that's how I used to do with my ex-GM.....
All the best,
I hope I am making sense. UKmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
I feel even your boss is very insecure to shout like that :)....I am sure even she might be creating an opnion of herself unconsiously in others minds. so don't worry...
As rightly said in one of the article in citehr by an expert, when it rains you need to protect your self. we can't blame the rain, why it did not inform me before pouring. So you need combact this attacks, if you are feeling hurt. I would have just ignored this and impress upon my colleagues on "finally she (Boss) agreed to what I have to say"....
So my suggestion, go out and take it aheadone with your boss smartly. Next time she shouts...you shout back in low tone ofcourse ...maam do want me to explain that you again and rush in with your Sr in her cabin and stand there....:). Funny but that's how I used to do with my ex-GM.....
All the best,
I hope I am making sense. UKmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
Dear Deepa,
Please refer: -
Wikipedia
Welcome to Investopedia.com
Homepage | Reference.com
You will all the information there.
To remember the things: - whatever information you send to your boss, keep a record of it. Read it over and over again. Write down financial ten times so that you won't forge them.
You may say that what I am telling you is ridiculous, but then to survive under crooked boss you need to do that.
Ok...
Dinesh V Divekar
From India, Bangalore
Please refer: -
Wikipedia
Welcome to Investopedia.com
Homepage | Reference.com
You will all the information there.
To remember the things: - whatever information you send to your boss, keep a record of it. Read it over and over again. Write down financial ten times so that you won't forge them.
You may say that what I am telling you is ridiculous, but then to survive under crooked boss you need to do that.
Ok...
Dinesh V Divekar
From India, Bangalore
Hi Deepa,
A difficult situation this! But then action is of importance... If I were you I would go and sit in front of her and tell her this...." Madam, I need to share something with you. Look, I need your sincere feedback on my performance.. for I need to grow and that would happen if I can learn from your expereince.. for some time now I feel you are not trusting me and that's making me lose confidence in myself. Can you help me to regain it...
I think whenever there is a querry if you call me directly or along with my senior, it would help me learn better and also grow.. I am keen to learn Madam, and need your support and help.... Will you please help me and encourage me....." . See Deepa, I would be polite but yet assertive... not aggressive.. many a time we are not able to understand the difference.. expressing your feelings honestly...
That's it... Act.... don't react... This conversation could be your umbrella as Mr. UKMitra has rightly mentioned.
From India, Pune
A difficult situation this! But then action is of importance... If I were you I would go and sit in front of her and tell her this...." Madam, I need to share something with you. Look, I need your sincere feedback on my performance.. for I need to grow and that would happen if I can learn from your expereince.. for some time now I feel you are not trusting me and that's making me lose confidence in myself. Can you help me to regain it...
I think whenever there is a querry if you call me directly or along with my senior, it would help me learn better and also grow.. I am keen to learn Madam, and need your support and help.... Will you please help me and encourage me....." . See Deepa, I would be polite but yet assertive... not aggressive.. many a time we are not able to understand the difference.. expressing your feelings honestly...
That's it... Act.... don't react... This conversation could be your umbrella as Mr. UKMitra has rightly mentioned.
From India, Pune
Deepa,
There are two things I would do if I were in your shoes.
1. Managing up - Have a private conversation with your manager. Make it clear to her that her open behavior is affecting your credibility. Mention that she has every right to verify your work with your seniors. However, the method chosen by her is negatively affecting your credibility. Therefore, suggest to her that she verify with her seniors privately. While having this conversation, do not make any personal attacks (such as “you are like this, or like that, or you always do this or that”). Keep things objective and question her actions, not her! (your action of verifying things in such a loud manner is hitting my credibility with my staff) . Do not, in any way, question her authority. No manager likes that. Respect her authority and her, and ask her to respect your. That is a fair request.
2. Managing down - Have a team meeting. Clearly communicate to your direct reports that they take direction from you. They cannot act on their own. While being independent in one's job is an asset, it must align with the general direction set by the manager. In any event, they must own up to their actions and it is your job to hold them accountable. If your direct reports are not following that direction, again, it's your job to bring them in line.
All the best,
-Som G
From United States, Woodinville
There are two things I would do if I were in your shoes.
1. Managing up - Have a private conversation with your manager. Make it clear to her that her open behavior is affecting your credibility. Mention that she has every right to verify your work with your seniors. However, the method chosen by her is negatively affecting your credibility. Therefore, suggest to her that she verify with her seniors privately. While having this conversation, do not make any personal attacks (such as “you are like this, or like that, or you always do this or that”). Keep things objective and question her actions, not her! (your action of verifying things in such a loud manner is hitting my credibility with my staff) . Do not, in any way, question her authority. No manager likes that. Respect her authority and her, and ask her to respect your. That is a fair request.
2. Managing down - Have a team meeting. Clearly communicate to your direct reports that they take direction from you. They cannot act on their own. While being independent in one's job is an asset, it must align with the general direction set by the manager. In any event, they must own up to their actions and it is your job to hold them accountable. If your direct reports are not following that direction, again, it's your job to bring them in line.
All the best,
-Som G
From United States, Woodinville
UKmitra,
I resepctfully disagree with your suggestion of shouting back at the manager in the equal tone. That amounts to questioning your manager's authority, and there would be no difference between an unprofessional/unthinking manager and a subordinate. It would make matters worse, not improve. Think about it. If your direct reports do that to you (even if you did that to them), you wouldn't like it. No manager would.
Instead, have a private conversation with the manager to bring her in line. As long as Deepa's tone is firm and respectful, I strongly believe her manager will realize her mistakes and make a sincere attemt to correct them.
If things don't improve after that, the question Deepa must ask herself is, is it really worth working for such an unprofessional manager?
Regards,
-Som G
From United States, Woodinville
I resepctfully disagree with your suggestion of shouting back at the manager in the equal tone. That amounts to questioning your manager's authority, and there would be no difference between an unprofessional/unthinking manager and a subordinate. It would make matters worse, not improve. Think about it. If your direct reports do that to you (even if you did that to them), you wouldn't like it. No manager would.
Instead, have a private conversation with the manager to bring her in line. As long as Deepa's tone is firm and respectful, I strongly believe her manager will realize her mistakes and make a sincere attemt to correct them.
If things don't improve after that, the question Deepa must ask herself is, is it really worth working for such an unprofessional manager?
Regards,
-Som G
From United States, Woodinville
Hey Som,
Thanks for your comments. I agree with you totally.
Probably I have choosen a wrong word of expression. What I meant was "confer with her". Like we usually do when we sit around with colleagues and discuss on matters.
Regards
UKmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
Thanks for your comments. I agree with you totally.
Probably I have choosen a wrong word of expression. What I meant was "confer with her". Like we usually do when we sit around with colleagues and discuss on matters.
Regards
UKmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
Hello Deepa,
The above contributors have given you sound advice. Also see Bad to the Bone: Dealing With a Bad Boss or Bad Managers for some tips on managing a bad boss.
http://karenfriedman.com <link updated to site home>
Tip Diva | Top Ten Tips - Dealing With A Difficult Boss
All found at tips for dealing with a difficult boss - Google Search
Best wishes
Simhan
A retired academic in UK
From United Kingdom
The above contributors have given you sound advice. Also see Bad to the Bone: Dealing With a Bad Boss or Bad Managers for some tips on managing a bad boss.
http://karenfriedman.com <link updated to site home>
Tip Diva | Top Ten Tips - Dealing With A Difficult Boss
All found at tips for dealing with a difficult boss - Google Search
Best wishes
Simhan
A retired academic in UK
From United Kingdom
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10 things never to say to your boss.doc