Work would be perfect…if only my manager didn’t drive me crazy.
Throughout my career, I’ve had my share of managers who drove me crazy.
One manager was obsessed with being a fashion police. It was my first job out of college.
With my student loan debt hanging over my head, my budget was tight. I could only afford purchasing two jackets, two skirts, a few blouses, and a trench coat.
I had the basics to mix and match for a full workweek.
When my manager gave me my year-end bonus, she added a snide comment. With a smirk, she suggested I use my bonus to purchase a decent coat at Saks and buy a few more suits.
Another manager would intentionally lower her voice when she was saying something important. I couldn’t understand and still don’t understand this tactic.
If you have something important to say, say it at an audible volume.
Another manager had quite a temper. We were on a business trip, and he was on his Blackberry while driving.
We were approaching a toll booth, and he read an email that unnerved him. It frustrated him so much that he accelerated toward the toll booth shouting obscenities.
He then slammed on the brakes stopping short between two toll booths. Still in shock at his childish behavior, I looked at him and calmly suggested that I would drive the rest of the trip.
The manager who frustrated me the most loved to micromanage. Even though he was clueless about my clients, he always instructed me on what to do.
He loved using jargon and telling stories irrelevant to the situation. He wasted a lot of time — a lot of my time.
To this day, I believe he just enjoyed hearing his own voice.
At this stage of my career, I can laugh about these incidents. I realize now that everyone has quirks – I know I have mine.
If you struggle with a manager who drives you crazy, try to find humor in the situation.
Find friends outside of work where you can share your stories. But more importantly, vow not to become a manager who drives employees crazy.
(Update to original post from February 21, 2017)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”