I was recently promoted at work, and some of my coworkers are being really unprofessional to work with now.They gossip and bring the whole team down. I get push back whenever I ask for help on a project, and just generally get the sense that people are unhappy with my performance, though I work my tail off.
I'm sick of the immaturity, and what's worse, my boss (the owner) strokes their egos and gives ear to the rumblings. She even talks bad about everyone bad behind their back. When I went to her with concerns about morale, she didn't address it. I think she's scared. So instead, she lets them get away with murder - one even tells her to F*ck off (and she laughs at it!). So my question is this - do all managers get resistance and gossiped about? I've looked around the office and the ones who are successful are the ones who don't make waves. But I don't want to pander to their egos - I want to be profitable and professional! Am I fighting a losing battle? Thoughts? Hmmm. I had the same sort of problem at work, too.
I don't think you're losing the battle - I think you're the only being professional! You see, when I was a crewperson at Mcd's (where I'm a manager now), there was this one girl who always got her way in everything. I don't wanna sound biased (because I'm not lol), but she'd always go off somewhere on her own and pout when someone pissed her off even just a little bit, and everybody would rush over and try to comfort her (and actually leaving other duties...). Somehow, she'd gotten to have more say in the restaurant soon - if she'd talk bad about someone from work, that person she hated would try so hard to be friends with her...and succeed. Soon everybody acted like her...always talking on the floor, stealing food, and cheer each other on if they talked back to a customer. It was horrid; even the store manager liked her and favored her the most. (But this girl didn't like me for some reason, and I tried being nice to her, but she still hated me so I stopped trying.) But with the store manager acting like an idiot too, the restaurant started to get bad feedback from mystery shop, etc....until finally, she (the store manager) actually resigned after working 10 years for Mcdonalds. (I only started to work there 2 years ago, lol.) After a new store manager came, everything changed, and that girl was about to be fired.
lol Sorry I wrote so much! But what I'm trying to say is that perhaps the people you're working with are sort of *corrupt*, like the people at my workplace were. (Everything's been so much better now, though...) Give it some time, and hopefully a change will come over. And you're doing fine, just keep up your respectful work habits. =) all managers are talked about
some managers are gossiped about
Resistance - each new manager has to find a way to get people to do the job, to take direction from the new manager.
i am guessing that they haven't yet separated you from being 'one of the gang" to you being "in charge." good luck. The unfortunate truth is that theres always going to be people trying to bring you down. people who are jelous of your success and genreally misserable with their own lives. Its good that you can see that their behavior is not the way to get things accomplished and although its hard at times if you stick to it you will prosper in what ever you do. your current boss sounds insecure and more worried about being popular than dealing with the real issues. maby its time to look for a job with another company who will appreacaite you for the hard working determined woman that you are. If this happens the science is this: the speed where someone realizes they are not supposed to be there until they realize that they can get out of there is pretty bad. so the people spreading rumors don't want to be there and are on the way out. They use their pain to talk about the people in high positions, and maybe others. You have to figure out who is meant to be there, even if you have to form friends at other company chains, and develop positive communication to counteract the other talking. The answer to your question is yes and if you're working with a bunch of females its and double yes!!! People either don't like authority or they're jealous. You just have to roll with the punches and know that you deserve that job and make them respect you. Respect is not negociable!! You're the boss!! Don't be out landishly b!tchy, but let them know you mean business and you'll help them if they help you. Most bosses do get talked about, the best thing to do is try to be the kind of manager that people will like and respect, and if it becomes a real problem dont be afraid to assert yourself. lol... sounds like your employed at my work place. These kind of things happen because the superiors let it happen. And yes no matter if you are good or bad people will always find something to say about u. poorly run company, your boss is a retard
speak with HR maybe? Welcome to management. :(
People can be rude, obnoxious, (insert word here...)
First rule: Don't take it personally.
Second rule: If you are human, you will take it personally.
Seriously, try not to let it bother you. Making a big deal about it will just make it worse, however, as they will then start talking about how "special" you think you are and that you are so much better than them because you are now a manager. With time, the talking fades. Just be fair, and do the best you can. Over time, your employees will learn better. I'm relatively new to the workforce, but from what I've seen working in offices with other people is your not at work to make friends. Though you will make some, you can guarantee that the ones you call "friend" are thinking about themselves and their wants over yours. If you are in a position to delegate authority than put aside the thought of them gossiping about you or acting rude... they are trying to see how far they can push you and what they can get away with and slow down your work performance by making it hard for you. Show them that you are not easily pushed and you value your job and set a good example.
Put your foot down, but be kind about it. Tell them that you would like to help with whatever needs help, but you are not there to do their job for them, otherwise as a manager you are obligated to report poor work ethic and performance to your higher up. Let your boss deal with it from there. You may look like the bad guy for a while, but you can assure them in time you are looking out for everyones best interests. And mean it.
Good luck! I would say that most do, I know I have been talked about and yes I am a manager. It seems no matter what you do or say, there is always 1 or 2 that will try and make you look bad.
I don't know jealousy maybe or possibly you're doing a better job that the previous person or even better than the person above you.
People are weird, ya know.it seems that you're not going to make everyone happy, so I don't try to anymore. I just come in do my job and make sure that everyone is doing theirs. Welcome to management.
Yes, it is immature and if the owner doesn't address it, chances are it isn't going to get better. I was lucky enough to have a good enough staff to recognize that my boss was the problem and would often work their tail off for me. Didn't matter because my boss made it impossible for me to stay.
Chances are, the business will collapse. (It's what's happened to mine.) Your best bet is to do as good a job as you're able, learn as much as you can, don't take the gossip personally, and leave with as many skills as possible.
I found this to be true mainly with female bosses and I try to get male bosses is possible. They aren't always better but they definitely aren't as catty. I'm affraid you are fighting a loosing battle and I'll tell you why. If the boss isn't going to be professional and put them in their place and not tolerate been called names then what hope do you have?
I say if you can't fight them then join them as much as you don't want to do that. Don't work as hard as you don't have to cos obviously they don't appreciate you at all. Either that or find another job where your possion will be taken seriously by all staff. It all starts with the boss if the boss is to lenient then why would the emplyees bother to work hard or care about anything else , I mean telling your boss to F of?? Wow can't say I've heard that before and tehy get paid for their kind words.
It's not a professinal place that you are working at I think you have way more to offer another business. Good luck to you. You're not fighting a losing battle, just an uphill one.
And to answer your question, probably yes, all managers do get talked about. Particularly in your situation, in which you used to work WITH the people that now work FOR you. Peers can often have a very difficult time when one of their own is suddenly put in charge. It can be very difficult to get any kind of productivity or results out of them. They may like you, but they will not respect you as their boss until you put your foot down from time to time.
It's very important to be sensitive to the situation and allow them time to adjust. However, you have to know when to draw the line. Use that authority you've been given and have a heart to heart with a couple of your new subordinates and let them know that you are still on their side, but cannot and will not tolerate that kind of behavior.
It's tough. I've been there. However, with time, it does get easier and eventually, it will just seem like you've always been the boss. Hang in there. |
