You might dislike your manager, or feel they have something against you or maybe they behave unfairly towards you.
But all the while your manager may be simmering or going crazy – all triggered by your behaviours.
1. Discriminating, ostracizing, harassing, bullying, threatening or being racist or sexist
Do not even take one step towards any of this kind of talk or behaviour. Maybe it has been laughed off in the past, but beware! Not only might it be hated, it can escalate and won’t be tolerated and you could you lose your job.
2. Habitually arriving late
This means you don’t really care, maybe a bit of a pop star in your own mind, “there’s way more important things in life than punching the clock”. Or maybe you do drop kids off each day so can’t be there on time – but you have never negotiated or explained the issue. Whilst many businesses are now very flexible about work hours, and some roles enable working from home or flexi-hours, most businesses still require agreed hours at a workplace. When you take a company’s money, you’ve got to be prepared to honour their expectations.
3. Missing deadlines without reasonable excuses
This means you’re unreliable and letting others down. Talk through your deadlines and milestones, and work out some priorities. Don’t bury your head in the sand because you are not coping. Don’t pretend you have done things you have not started. You can be sure this will eventually cause bigger problems – especially for you trying to go forward in your career.
4. Having constant negative opinions
There is no room for constant negativity, and getting laughs from your smart remarks should not be your objective. There is a place and time for a tactfully expressed and constructive opinion, but company time, company broadband and company social media are not the forums for this. Try some suggestions that convey your helpful and knowledgeable approach to a problem. If you get a furious glare or worse, hold that thought until there’s a better time or situation.
5. Expecting constant help and advice
Yes of course your manager should be there to guide and advise. But there comes a time in the day when you need to be DOING the work, not discussing and asking more and more questions and needing constant help. Try and work on it yourself and try to get it right. Then ask for feedback and make corrections. Don’t be paralysed by the fear of failure. Managers appreciate effort.
6. Having a superiority complex
You think you are better than your manager and you make sure everyone knows it by your smart remarks:
“You may be a manager, but I with my five degrees, a trail of firsts and membership of Mensa have got it all over you, so don’t expect me to hang around long.”
Well, you were hired because you are definitely brainy. So, put that marvellous brain to better use – where you’re being paid to use it – and have the superior conversation elsewhere.
7. Being two-faced, insincere or even passive-aggressive
When a person smiles to your face but conveys though their looks and transmits mentally that they’re telling you where to go, it’s just the old backstab by another name. A two-faced worker of this variety is sooner or later going to alienate quite a few people in company ranks.
Passive-aggressiveness is definitely infuriating. Don’t sit and seethe and pretend that “nothing is the matter”, “I refuse to answer your questions”; don’t make Stony Silence your weapon of choice. People like that are the corporate equivalents of black holes because eventually all things are sucked into their dark void, finding it hard to return.
If you have a problem, you should solve it by realising you need to determine the cause, and ask from management what could be done. Have some suggestions about what you can do to change your attitude.
Managers have antennae (well, most do). If you’ve got something to say choose a correct or discreet moment to say this. The manager might appreciate your frankness as a welcome change from other things they’re having to swallow on a regular basis. Restrain your desire to throttle someone. Take them for a coffee, show sincere interest in their tribulations and see how you can broker a solution between you.
8. Gossiping and inappropriate comments
Talking behind others’ backs is an unpleasant habit that can alienate managers and colleagues, despite its purpose of getting people onside with your way of thinking. Your comments may be clever, may engage, but if at the expense of someone else it is most likely an immature response or avoidance – avoiding getting work done, and spending time making unnecessary remarks.
9. Being long-winded
Taking forever to get to the point is very frustrating. We all enjoy the person who can sum things up pithily – a great person to pitch or present. They don’t bore and never waffle. If you are well-informed and have more to say then learn to deliver your brilliant information in desirable chunks. Read the body language of those around you – and find the best ways to get your long-winded talk trimmed down. Hand in your detail as an attachment – not everything needs to be said.
10. Not responding to emails
Don’t read and imagine your answer and save it up for later. Nothing drives managers crazier than an unresponsive staff member who doesn’t acknowledge questions or requests. Even if you do not have the answer and have no way to get it done fast – tell that person your timeline for responding. Or give them what you know now and a plan for the rest.
The best advice I can think of is to sit down with your manager and discuss how to best work together so it is a two-way productive working relationship. What can you add to this list?