Submitted by luckycolorado on
in
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My last Controller used this site with great success on our team. I am now in a low-key NGO with world-wide field offices, but we're in trouble financially and our new management is under pressure to perform with lower revenue and high costs. Our Controller is a very weak manager, with numerous EEO complaints and lawsuits in the works. I am in accounting. Our group of accountants (avg age: 40ish, very experienced) has a new, high D manager (first time manager, younger). He started placing processes and procedures in place from the get-go. These were not processes or procedures to help or have an impact on our ability to complete our work quickly and successfully, rather to show that he is doing something. His micro-managing is driving me to insanity: requiring skype so that he can chat with us (read: check on our whereabouts); sending emails with threats: this must close today ( never mind that there are unresolved issues in the hands of others), etc. He does have weekly one on ones, but he uses these to check on our status of projects. He's creating such a hostile, antagonistic environment that I don't know whether to give him feedback ( where is kindness and collaboration); or just leave. There have already been three "lay-offs" of folks that spoke up and countered management, including one who whistleblew on internal financial theft. Only yes-men seem to be welcome anymore. Please help. I'm dying here.
Keep yourself in check
Ok, If I understand the facts correctly:
- You have a new manager
- Your new manager sets deadlines
- Company is struggling financially
- Lay offs have started
I urge you consider focusing on *your* work and documenting your accomplishments. As stated in the podcasts: “How you feel is your fault.” You make clear that you’re not happy where you are. You must not let this affect your work performance.
Second, re-listen to every cast on resumes, layoffs, and networking. Begin preparing for a transition.
This may sound harsh but setting deadlines is not a threat.
Tread lightly. Stay positive. Be very careful. PM me if you want.
Help him achieve results
This was hard to read as I felt it could have been one of my directs speaking of me.
Your boss needs your support and it takes time to develop the relationship.
Focus on needs and how you can help fulfill them - keep the focus on tasks and not style.
Respect that you too need to prove yourself to him, even though you have already proven yourself to others.
And, I agree with all parts of the first comment.
Financial theft?
If there is truly illegal activity going on, I would quietly go about searching for a new job.
I knew someone who stayed in a job even though she was pretty sure her employer was cheating the IRS and Medicare. When advised to get out, she'd say "Oh, but I have so much sick leave saved up, no one pays as well as him, I'm too old to find a new job...."
One day the IRS shut the place down. As you can imagine, they didn't honor her banked sick leave. At least she qualified for unemployment benefits, but I think it took her 8 months to find a new job.
What is being asked of your boss?
First, I would figure out the EEO and whistleblower stuff. As Terrih says any history with the company is lost when legal or ethics closes the door. It will make it harder to get the next job with headline level associations.
For the sake of argument, let's assume that is just rumor and misunderstanding. You still need to repair the relationship with your boss. I would relisten to the Angry and Demeaning Boss series (http://manager-tools.com/2009/02/bad-boss-1-angry-and-demeaning-boss-part-1). There are some great ideas throughout this cast which will help.
Start a Delta File. It is discussed in the Angry and Demeaning Boss cast and has a cast of its own. It may not change your boss, but it will get a lot of what is happening out of your head and onto paper. Then you can get your focus back to your work.
In your one-on-ones, ask about the demands being placed on your boss. What are his priorities? What are his deliverables? How are your deliverables contributing to his? Does he have to reword your status on the way up or can he just forward your work because it is meeting the demands placed on him?
Listen for the things he doesn't like. If you hear something that you can help with, don't say anything the first time. Go back and figure out how to present the best case for why you could be helping him out by doing that work. Edit and revise this pitch using the DISC model. Make sure it addresses his communication style. Then the second time you hear him complain about it, there you are ready with your proposal. You'll get to do something you want to do and he'll see you as looking out for his needs and coming to help him with the heavy demands placed on him.
More than anything, it all comes down to the relationship. You're talking about things that are hindering your good relationship with your boss. Nothing else will get better until you can resolve this relationship issue. If you're past wanting to make the relationship better with your boss, then the only option is send out the resume and start interviewing.
Jack
San Diego