November 02, 2005

Good boss, bad boss

So I went to speak to Good Boss (GB) on Monday, to discuss the fact that I'm having trouble staying at work for five days in a row, and that I may need to reduce the number of hours that I'm working.

He was very cool. He said that he thought I was very brave for seeking help, thanked me for speaking to him, re-assured me that he'll speak to my immediate supervisor (BB), and only tell him what we agreed to. I spoke to GB first because I don't trust BB. You'll see how justified I am below.

Then today, BB asked to speak to me, and it was such a sharp contrast that it was almost laughable. Not quite though, because this is still some pretty important stuff that he's screwing up.

For instance:
Me: [On Friday, ringing at 9 am] I'm not feeling well, and won't be in.
BB: [incredulous, disappointed] Still?!

Seriously, can you imagine a worse response?

BB: [Today] So, I know that it's very personal, but can you tell me what's wrong?
Me: [pause] Did [GB] speak to you?
BB: Yes, but he only said it was a health issue... and I'd just like to know...
Me: [longer pause] Well, I'm going through a lot of things at the moment, but I'm getting treatment for them.

It's not like I didn't give him a couple of chances to RESPECT MY FUCKING PRIVACY.

BB: So how long will this [the reduced hours] go on?
Me: Unfortunately, there's no real answer to that.
BB: Well, I'm coming from a position of wanting to get you back to 40 hours a week, as quickly as possible, so you just tell me what we can do to make that happen. As quickly as possible.
Me: Er... (!)

Whereas the GB said at the end of our conversation, "We really do try to support our people here, whether they're contractors or full time staff. I'm so glad you're not resigning."

My plan of attack/defense is as follows: I'm not going to be speaking to BB alone about this from now on. I'm going to speak to GB again, point out my problems with BB's response, and ask him for advice and assistance.

2 comments:

Polysemous said...

Nope. I can't imagine a worse response. What a total msrqkqaud he is.

The spam bot is really coming in handy as a lexifabricographer.

Thanks for the updates, Keep 'em coming.

emmajeans said...

Hopefully GB's advice was helpful.

re: updates - what polly said.