How to Handle a Boss Who Thinks You Want Her Job

Have you ever felt yourself overwhelmed by a boss who really thinks you want to take his/her job? This article will give you some steps that will hopefully help you defuse the situation.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• Stress Reliever

1. 
    
   Tug O' War

   DECIDE YOUR POSITION. Are you really trying to take this person's job or not? If you do not know the answer to this question, then you need to think about it. Your confusion will only make the problem worse.

2. 
    
   Talk

   TELL THE TRUTH. Tell the person is a polite and tactful manner if you want their job or not. This will relieve the tension of the guessing game.

3. 
    
   Cooperate

   VOICE PROBLEMS. Tell the person how their behavior is affecting you and your performance. Let them know that you need them to settle down so that you can settle down and get the job done right. Again, be tactful when tell them this. Rude statement elicit rude remarks.
   
   If you remain quiet, the person will not change their attitude and your work environment will not improve.

4. 
    
   Help!

   GET HELP. If, no matter how much you have tried to get the person to back off, they persist in harassing you, tell a supervisor. There is a chain of command in every organization for a reason - use it. This person's behavior may be a result of a deeper issue.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to the person in private if possible. This will prevent hurt feelings.
• If you do plan to take the job, take the person away from the office if possible to tell them. Spring for lunch or coffee (sometimes bribery works).
• Breathe. If things get too stressful, take a step back and breathe.
• "When talking to the person about the problems...try to keep personal attacks out of the discussion if possible...make the comments about the job, not the boss." - (suggestion from cologrl52)
• Take notes on any harassment (date, time, what said/done) so that when you go to management you will have details to back up your complaints.
• Do not be rude. Rude behavior will only make the person more upset toward you.
• Try not to have the above discussions when you are mad. Your feelings will be present in your voice and may come across as hostile.

Resources

• Learning to De-Stress
• How to Talk to Your Boss

[xtraordinary]

on 7/19/2008 Great advice for a sticky situation...thank you!

[MulberryGirl]

on 7/1/2008 I've been there done that! (NOT fun) Great advice for someone in that position!

[amymcclair]

on 3/11/2008 Very insightful. Thank you for your input. I will try to make a note of that for other readers.

[cologrl52]

on 3/11/2008 Sounds like this was written from a knowledgable perspective. One suggestion though, when talking to the person about the problems...try to keep personal attacks out of the discussion if possible...make the comments about the job, not the boss.