Managers – Part Comedian, Part General
It's hard to even know where to start with this one. I couldn't even come up with a decent title on this guy because it's actually so bizarre that it almost defies classification. But I'll try.
I was summoned to my boss' office this afternoon and after I walked in, I could tell on his face it wasn't going to be what I consider 'fun'. He started out with a "How you been?" - simple enough, I told him my back hurt a little - it does, and that it was something that I'll deal with and it'll get better in the coming days and weeks. Then he jumps right into the reason for the meeting.
"OK, I know you're not happy, so bitch... about me. Go ahead."
Hmmm... now there's several ways to play this. I could go with the 100% honest answer and clearly get into a fight that I cannot win. Not a good idea. I could try to point out the most offensive remarks of the recent days, that had merit. I could also deny it all.
I started with the denial. It didn't work. Shucks!
So I went with the most recent issue - that of the "total honesty" approach he's been using.
"Well..." I said, "I just wish you'd say less - particularly about the 'I don't care what you think' kind of talk. It's unimportant, as I'm going to do it anyway, and it's just demoralizing. It doesn't get things done faster, and while it may be true, it's not really helpful in the least."
He defended himself as if it was necessary to tell me this and then launched into a 45 min talk about what was coming up, and why I should be happy about all that. While it was a reasonably good outcome for me - I didn't have to be as honest as he was being, it was amazing that he really didn't want me to get things off my chest, he wanted to get things off his.
I don't mind these 'diverted' conversations. Primarily because they are actually informative to me about what's happening. But it's funny that he defends his actions about telling me he doesn't care what I think, and further to try and almost cheer me up with the stories of what's coming.
It's no surprise that in these financially turbulent times, guys in middle and upper management are worried that they won't be able to get the new BMW this year. It's understandable. So they think "Where can I make cuts?" and "Who's going to back me?". Not a fun place to be, I can see that, but to pull things like this is really shooting yourself in the foot.
Anyway... it's an odd meeting that I'm glad is over.