Tell Me About Your “Bad Boss” Experience

[Wesley Crusher]

I would not confront your boss or your boss's boss without having something else lined up. Worst case scenario, they react badly and they look for any reason to get rid of you. If you don't have anything else lined up, that could really hurt you.

My advice is to forget about your boss and the company and look for a better job somewhere else. Dropping down to an entry level position should not be an option. In fact, based on your comments about being a great performer, you should be looking for a promotion.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[Thatguy]

Originally Posted by Slippy Chips

I’m planning on having that very conversation next week. I’m not exactly sure how to go about it or how “real” to be with him. As you suggested it could backfire or it could be great.

I had that conversation last week. Went to the CEO with my issues as a middle manager came in and made things miserable. Still waiting for outcome. Have a feeling it will be really good or really bad. He seemed receptive but you never know.


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[datejustrms]

Originally Posted by brandrea

i have one word ... Walk.

Nothing is worth the stress and headache of working in an environment as you describe.

Best of luck to you

x2

[Slippy Chips]

First, thank you all for taking my side. I believe in me (most of the time) but it’s good to have others who give you the benefit of the doubt.
Also, thank you all for your own stories and personal experience. The quality of people on this board constantly amazes me.
I think you have all helped me realize it isn’t so black and white. There is a middle ground between the extremes. I don’t have to go back to my old, old, old job. I also don’t have to accept that my current situation is just my new reality.
Thank you all!

[ajas]

All the best.

There is always room in the middle and my past experience taught me that going into extremes on both sides of spectrum rarely pays off.

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[EliteJ]

I have had multiple “bad bosses” over the years.... some that are over impressed with their under importance and some that are just not qualified for the job. My current situation is that my manager is too nice of a guy and gets walked over everyday by my co-workers. I am a very productive person and I do not like to procrastinate. I feel your pain when you are struggling to do your job to the fullest but held back by people that are only happy with doing the bare minimum. If you have HR talk to them but make sure you document everything to cover your ass if the shit hits the fan. Good Luck Brother!

[Wcdhtwn]

If she is as bad as you say, and I'm not questioning you, those she reports to also see her weaknesses. Getting rid of someone in a managerial position is more difficult than firing some low level person, lots of HR involvement to build a case. Whatever you do don't sabatoge your career, you'll never explain that away to your next boss. Stick where you are and fight, or start using that vacation and find a new job!

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Slippy Chips

If you’ve had one I’d like to hear about how you handled it. I imagine this board has some interesting perspectives and stories.

This is new to me. I’m fortunate enough to have only had amazing managers before. I’m in sales and I’ve done really well for a long time. I’ve moved my way up the food chain. Several promotions. Many special projects. Lots of accolades and recognition etc.

About 10 months ago I got this new manager who snuck in to the company through the back door. She’s never done my job before but that hasn’t stopped her from insisting on doing things the wrong way. We butted heads at first (a lot) but eventually I yielded and did things her way... needless to say our sales numbers dropped. Pressure was applied things have steadily gone sideways. Even today she was doubling-down on her failed strategies.

Then I got my review for last year and it was a complete abomination. The type of review that is hard to explain away in an interview. And yet there was very little substance to it. No real specifics of note and no meaningful suggestions for improvement. She didn’t like my body language one time at a meeting 8 months ago??? Petty things that I was completely unaware of and could have been addressed at the time. The chair was broken and uncomfortable. Had nothing to do with her or the meeting or my motivation. She clearly has it out for me, possibly because I challenged her early on.

Something has to change but I don’t feel like I have any leverage now that I have this sad review hung around my neck.

Anyhow, I have an opportunity to drop way back “down the food chain” to what is essentially an entry level sales position in my industry. I’d be home at night with my 4 kids. Good boss. Maybe a chance to regroup and reset. My company would even keep my pay relatively the same (but the top end would be reduced significantly). But it also might absolutely tank my career. In sales you don’t back down on a challenge. I worked my tail off to get out of that entry level position years ago so going back to it willingly now seems odd.

So do I keep at it here and possibly let my boss sabotage my career OR do I sabotage my own career by going back down and start the climb again?

as supreme says —- em and get a new job at a new company. you cannot stay at that company unless your boss is fired and they give you that job. but on your way out try to get her fired by telling the truth. double down on real data. do not underestimate —— people.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Etschell

here is what ive learned. it is simply a test. eventually your boss will eat it. now if you dont like it leave. but you'll run into another inept boss down the road unless you are your own boss.

sales is tough. and there are plenty of unqualified hires that occur above you.

Originally Posted by breitlings

as supreme says em and get a new job at a new company. you cannot stay at that company unless your boss is fired and they give you that job. but on your way out try to get her fired by telling the truth. double down on real data. do not underestimate shitty people.

I think we can help Slippy without the bad language.

You should know better.

[RW16610]

Sadly I've experienced this same nonsense too... Reading some of the responses here really hit home. Not much else can be added really but I did want to wish you all the best and remind you that you deserve better.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by directioneng

I think we can help Slippy without the bad language.

You should know better.

Fair criticism. Edited.

[Rock]

People promoted into senior jobs out of left-field almost always have a sponsor higher up who will be invested in their remaining in the job. Find out who hired her - no good going to them.
Management will always take the side of the more senior of any two people in a dispute so the chances are that you cannot win this. Start looking for a more acceptable alternative.
Record everything. Confirm all instructions by email - verbal cannot be substantiated.
Marshall your evidence. Sales figures/financials/performance on a timeline to demonstrate that the performance started going down the toilet when she started.
See if there is anyone else in your predicament. Enlist their support. Get them to do their investigation also.
Never accept a poor performance review/criticism without providing an evidence-based rebuttal. Point out lack of specifics in their accusations. You have nothing to lose as they have clearly indicated that they are out to use you as a scapegoat.
Good Luck.