August 23, 2006Supervisor Slacking
Over the past year, my supervisor comes in late, tired and unmotivated after big weekends, is out often during the day doing personal errands, and isn’t mentally present even when she is working. It affects our entire staff. Administrators have addressed the problem with her, but because they aren’t on site, they aren’t always aware. She improves for a short time after they speak with her, but then slips back into her old ways.
Recently my supervisor hired an aggressive who doesn’t know her limitations. Without supervision, she has also become a problem for our entire staff. Last week this intern caused a major setback for an important project, partially because of her attitude but mostly due to lack of supervision. My fellow coworkers were all beside themselves. I decided to take action.
I let my supervisor know that her apathy and absence was at the root of many problems in the department. I provided her with clear examples. Then, I asked her to speak with the intern, to “reel her in”, and to step up to providing her the guidance she needs and deserves. She listened more openly than I expected. She acknowledged the problems and did speak with the intern.
Unfortunately, when my supervisor spoke with the intern, she delivered the information in third person and took no personal responsibility. She also informed the intern it was me who provided the feedback on behalf of the staff. The intern promptly confronted me the following day. I was a little surprised, but I spoke strong with her also. I let her know that while the feedback may be uncomfortable, it came from multiple sources and I agreed with it.
I also informed my supervisor that I disagreed with her approach to this problem, but I had no problem standing behind my words. She was surprised to see me back in her office, and apologized for using my name while disciplining another.
Everything is more orderly, accountable and action oriented in our department this week. And Meryl, the entire staff, including me, is much happier. Six months ago, I would not have had the courage to speak up or known what to say.
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