AboutJoan Schramm Expertise I can answer questions about handling difficult bosses or co-workers, motivation, team-building, and just getting along in an organization. I am also an expert on conflict resolution and communication as well as other issues dealing with business relationships.
Experience Joan is a professional Coach and the founder of Momentum Coaching, www.achieve-momentum.com. Her experience is from over twenty-five years of business leadership, training and coaching.
Organizations Coach Training Alliance, Coachville, Attractionville, 247 Coaching, Solo-E
Publications Many of my articles have appeared in local newspapers and online at sites like www.ezines.com, www.marketingseek.com, www.articlecity.com, www.exactseek.com and others.
Education/Credentials BS in English
MS in Human Resource Management
Certified Coach through the Coach Training Alliance
Expert: Joan Schramm Date: 7/20/2008 Subject: Should I tell
Question My boss belongs to a professional org, I do not. My bosses, boss arranged for me to attend a convention with my boss. I rode to and from the convention with my boss. At the convention, I was alone, my boss was with her colleagues. I was not introduced to her colleagues. We ate lunch in the same ballroom, I sat with strangers, she sat at the table next to me . I ate my meals in my room, while she was with her colleagues. This went on for 3 days. I feel very disrespected and I don't know what to do. I am the asst cord 2nd in command to the boss, we do have a communication problem. I have worked with her for 8 yrs. I think I was sent with her as a plan to have us bond. I have put up with yrs of screaming, pounding fists on the desk rudeness and just plain meanness. I am afraid to say anything, because the last person that said something was moved to another dept. I have worked here for 12 yrs and don't want to change now, as I am 5 yrs from retirement. I also do not want to be perceived as a trouble maker.
Answer Linda --
I'm not really sure what your question is here, so I'm just going to address a couple of your statements.
I can't explain what happened at the convention, except that your boss was working her agenda and you were free to do the same. Instead of networking and meeting people on your own, though, you choose to eat in your room and didn't make the most of the opportunity you were given. You're a professional person, not a grade-schooler, and your boss really isn't responsible for you having a productive time at a convention.
If you've worked with this woman for 8 years and have put up with screaming and tyrannical behavior for that length of time, you've trained her that it's acceptable to treat you this way. You say you're afraid you'll be moved to another department; but if you're so unhappy where you are, and are so badly treated, why would that be a bad thing?
You need to decide that you're not going to let your boss' temper affect you. She isn't going to change. If you have a "communication problem", then you need to figure out what she wants and give it to her the best way you know how. A communication problem is never about one person -- everyone involved has a part in it, so look at what you're doing to contribute to the problem and do something different. It can't be any worse than what you're putting up with now.
