Dear Aunty B,
You brighten my day and I always look forward to reading your blog when I get back from lunch.
My problem is this. I have a GM who is bullying me. He expects me to work long hours but won't give me a job description. I think I am doing about five people's jobs! He belittles me and calls me "blondie" and yells at me in front of others. Lately he has excluded me from meetings although I still attend the fixed meetings. It is no good telling me to ask him what is wrong. I did and he told me "I wouldn't understand."
I am a hard worker and always do a good job and had no trouble with my previous GM. But if he won't tell me what's wrong how am I to fix it?
The guy that owns our business is a real people's person and I am sure that if I explained it to him, I would get a response. It's just that he is not around a lot and doesn't know how bad this GM is. I have also asked for a performance review but was told we don't have time.
My question is, if I do that will it make my situation worse?
Hate my boss,
NSW
Dear Hatemyboss,
Heard the expression: Talk to the head not the arse? It's a good one. It means bypass your bullying GM who has no idea how to manage and complain to the top. Make sure everything is well documented with a list of what you want - ie. performance reviews, KPIs, etc.
Don't whinge and talk too much. Keep it factual and simple. It is likely you are not the first to complain. Make sure everything you say is to help the business run better and does not turn into a personal attack against the GM.
Good luck,
Your Aunty B
To read more Aunty B advice, click here.
I was treated like dirt, until he decided that he didnt need me anymore and he cut me from the team. I was hurt and my clients were confused. But i wasnt being abused anymore. I have now found a employer that respects my skills, and i have rapidly progressed through the heirarchy to senior management. I cant help but use my new found power in my new role to strategically and accurately bad mouth my previous employer.
Speaking from experience - if the owner does not listen and respond to your concerns, resign - In the interests of your health and future. Your skills are needed and appreciated in the right role.