Ideas Needed: How to Handle a Paranoid Boss

[Aikmaniac]

So my boss is away on vacation. He is out of the country as a matter of fact. To keep cell charges to a minimum, he is requesting email updates. No big deal.

Here's the issue: he wants me to a) let him know (via email/text) when I'm leaving for lunch, and b) when I'm leaving for the evening.

For background info, he demands this while he is in the office. I've heard from friends and acquaintances that this is not normal but isn't entirely out of the question, however it screams that he wants control.

He's also the type of boss that takes credit for everything. We (my coworkers and I) are not allowed to discuss projects, procedures, etc. He wants it all to himself.

In my opinion, you hire your employees with the mentality that they can hold down the fort while you are away or notify you of any issues that need direction.

I'm curious as to your thoughts on this. Am I being nitpicky? Should I start playing mental games? Should I just grin and bear it?

 

[CowboyDan]

You should start looking for another company to work for.
Personally, I would request a few minutes of his time in private, be honest and cordial but firm, and explain your issues with his style. He may understand and be open to changing his ways. He may hold it against you and make the rest of your time there miserable.

 

[vta]

You should start looking for another company to work for.
Personally, I would request a few minutes of his time in private, be honest and cordial but firm, and explain your issues with his style. He may understand and be open to changing his ways. He may hold it against you and make the rest of your time there miserable.

+1.

There's no changing the nature of the beast and just remove yourself and in this economy, just deal with it while it's necessary.

 

[Doomsday101]

So my boss is away on vacation. He is out of the country as a matter of fact. To keep cell charges to a minimum, he is requesting email updates. No big deal.

Here's the issue: he wants me to a) let him know (via email/text) when I'm leaving for lunch, and b) when I'm leaving for the evening.

For background info, he demands this while he is in the office. I've heard from friends and acquaintances that this is not normal but isn't entirely out of the question, however it screams that he wants control.

He's also the type of boss that takes credit for everything. We (my coworkers and I) are not allowed to discuss projects, procedures, etc. He wants it all to himself.

In my opinion, you hire your employees with the mentality that they can hold down the fort while you are away or notify you of any issues that need direction.

I'm curious as to your thoughts on this. Am I being nitpicky? Should I start playing mental games? Should I just grin and bear it?

He like to micro manage it sounds like, I hate working for people like that I think most people do. Sucks you have to deal with that

 

[Dodger]

I couldn't work in that environment. Ugh...

 

[Phoenix]

Even when the man is on vacation he demands that stuff? Are you kidding me? Tell him his underwear is too tight for crying out loud.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Why are you still there?

 

[Doomsday101]

Why are you still there?

kind of hard to pick and choose jobs if you havn't noticed. :laugh2:

 

[YosemiteSam]

kind of hard to pick and choose jobs if you havn't noticed. :laugh2:

He must be making bank because there are other jobs out there. They just might now pay big bucks. There is an IT recruiter in the next suite and they say business is booming. Though she did note that it's only for contract work. Nobody is really hiring full time in IT here in this area.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'm curious as to your thoughts on this. Am I being nitpicky? Should I start playing mental games? Should I just grin and bear it?

Two different possible answers to this. One if you still need the job (just deal with it while you look for another job ASAP) and another if you don't (I would screw with this man so bad he would eventually have to fire me.)

 

[Aikmaniac]

I must say that I've learned to "play the game" but it's getting a little ridiculous. It is a high profile job that I absolutely love.

I think he's a little threatened by me. Most of the staff come to me for answers. Because of that, he "requests" that I send them to him...so he can come to me for the answer.

Obviously, I feel that he's done some things in the past that cause him to think people will do the same to him.

 

[CoCo]

Two different possible answers to this. One if you still need the job (just deal with it while you look for another job ASAP) and another if you don't (I would screw with this man so bad he would eventually have to fire me.)

If it's a bad situation, he can try to find a better one. When he does he can resign. But I would never advise burning bridges. There simply is no need to and it might have some consequences down the road.

Retribution feels good for a moment but it doesn't bear good fruit long term.

 

[Dodger]

Because of that, he "requests" that I send them to him...so he can come to me for the answer.

What?

No way would I do that. But then I've been told that not playing the games may slow me down career wise. Someone once asked me "do you want the cheese, or do you want to be right?"

I'll take being right, thanks...

 

[Aikmaniac]

If it's a bad situation, he can try to find a better one. When he does he can resign. But I would never advise burning bridges. There simply is no need to and it might have some consequences down the road.

Retribution feels good for a moment but it doesn't bear good fruit long term.

You're right and I think he knows that too.

He knows that I have my dream job and want to keep it.

 

[CowboyDan]

You're right and I think he knows that too.

He knows that I have my dream job and want to keep it.

Are you the only company in your industry? I think I'd be walking across the street to my competitors business, resume' in hand.

 

[Aikmaniac]

Are you the only company in your industry? I think I'd be walking across the street to my competitors business, resume' in hand.

I like it here though. My coworkers and I get along. The perks are unbelievable. We just have a paranoid boss that has some issues.

The guy has had every person that has worked for him go to HR about him...and nothing has happened. I'm still trying to figure out why.

He makes about five times what I do and has no idea what's going on. He doesn't know how to do anything but BS. He's the best BS artist I've ever been around. Everyone knows he's full of it and they know who gets most of the work done (me and the staff).

 

[rkell87]

just follow this guide

http://www.zug.com/pranks/halloween/index02.html

 

[CowboyDan]

I like it here though. My coworkers and I get along. The perks are unbelievable. We just have a paranoid boss that has some issues.

The guy has had every person that has worked for him go to HR about him...and nothing has happened. I'm still trying to figure out why.

He makes about five times what I do and has no idea what's going on. He doesn't know how to do anything but BS. He's the best BS artist I've ever been around. Everyone knows he's full of it and they know who gets most of the work done (me and the staff).

I understand. I guess you're just going to have to play the game then, and hope that they get rid of him. (not sure how likely that is though if they're paying him 5 times more than you.)

 

[theogt]

I'm curious as to what it is you do.

Edit: Never mind. I see IT in your profile. Dude, if you're miserable at your job, you HAVE to find something else. Your job takes up the VAST majority of your life. If you don't enjoy your job, you're not enjoying your life. But if you can deal with and still like your job, then there's your answer.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

I am not good at working for bosses, so i am not sure i could give you good advice. The only thing i know how to do is speak my mind if i have an issue with a situation. I would sit down with him and tell him how i feel about his need for control. Although i think texting him to let him know when you are leaving the office is understandable and i wouldn’t have a problem with it myself. I don’t like the advice to just “find another job” because you will always face situations you do not like.