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: 10/21/2007 Subject: Wrong Boss in the Wrong Position
Question I have been working in my current job for about 11 months now. My boss is 23 years old and has been here for almost 2 years with no previous experience. She was given this high position in the department with the support of the higher management. Our job is way too demanding, however she has never been anything but a very irresponsible boss. She criticizes almost all the time, never give chances, throws blames and mistakes that occurred because of her actions on me and my previous colleague whom she transferred without my colleagues knowing the reason and the department being transferred to.
We were 3 only in the department, my boss, my previous colleague and myself. She got rid of my colleague without having a back up plan in order to handle the inquiries flooding in our office. To be honest I haven't been the "perfect" employee, some tasks were delayed and I could not handle all the work by myself when my boss took unlimited "time offs". However, I was so very loyal to my job, I was always loyal to her, respectful and fun. I treated my clients with total respect, I finished all the inquires pending with my boss, plus I handled the GM's office matters when it isn't in my job description. Most of those I work with in the company gave a very positive feedback about me and my work, not to mention how my clients used to love dealing with me more than dealing with her for is sometimes act rude.
I am not trying to make my position oh so bright, but unfortunately this is what was happening until one day when I took 5 days off for the first time, I checked my e-mail to find a "Transfer" e-mail in my inbox. I was shocked and disbelieved what I was reading. She has transferred me to another section without consulting me or telling me the reasons behind this sudden decision. Everyone was shocked and told me to contact her to make sure of what was written in the e-mail. It was all true. I replied her e-mail so very politely however her reply was rude and not satisfying.
What kind of a manager that transfers employees when they are on vacation and without prior notice! This is not the first time she does that, she transferred my previous colleague when she (my boss) went for vacation. Non of the higher management sat with me to discuss, non of them even cared to discuss it with her.
Now I am still not aware of what my job description would be or even what is new package. I have not replied her on her last e-mail for my level of thinking and my education exceeds her in so many ways. I do not want to sink to her level that's why I preferred to not to reply back.
What do you think the solution could be
Answer Huda --
What a nightmare for you to go through! I am so sorry you had to experience such a shock.
Do you have an HR dept? That should be one place you would need to take this issue. Does your company have an EEO officer and/or an ombudsman? If so, that's another person you should definitely consult with (before HR, actually). Make sure to keep copies of all correspondence you had with your boss about this issue. Print them out - don't rely on being able to access a company computer for this information. The EEO will want to see how this transfer was handled, and the rude way your boss responded to you.
You do need to respond to your boss. Regardless of your opinion of her, she is still your boss. I would send her a note (and copy HR and/or the EEO) and request a meeting to discuss this transfer. If she refuses, bump your request up to HER boss, again copying HR and EEO. You are entitled to know (a) why you were transferred, (b) why no notice was given to you, and, (c) what your new job description, pay and benefits are.
If you don't have an HR or EEO, then you need to continue to bump this issue up your chain of command. Be firm but polite and insist on some answers. Stick to the facts and don't go out of your way to bad-mouth your boss. The facts, as they relate to your situation, are certainly bad enough to warrant attention all on their own.
Finally, understand that there may be no way for you to come out of this situation feeling good. If that happens, it's time to get out of there and find another job where you'll be treated more respectfully and professionally.
