| Can I go over my bosses head?? He never gets anything done!?~~~ My boss,,grrrr. We ask him questions, for example we need to go through our boss to get supplies, he has to OK our supply order, or if there is information we need to know, we have to get the final confirmed information from our boss. We email him, ask him in person,,,its always I'll get to that,,,,sometimes weeks go by with out an answer,,, so when I do go over his head and ask "his" boss about certain issues,,,my boss goes crazy and starts ranting and raving "there she goes! going over my head!!!!!!!" and when I say,,but in order for me to do my job correctly,,I need these issues addressed asap,,,,,(most of these issues are a quick yes or no answer, no research needed,,,,just yes or no answer )
This boss of mine is usually on the internet or on his cell phone talking to his wife,,,,,,never really "there" for his imediate employees,,,,I cant go to personell because my boss and head of personel are "drinking buddies" there is no confidentiality if I talk to personel.......
Asked By: ~~Penny~~ - 6/23/2007 |
First I would recommend all requests be in writing, preferably in an email format. This allows you to document what is going on. Make your emails as professional and to the point as possible. For instance, when it comes to a supply request, state exactly what you need and if possible what project you need it for.
Example:
I am requesting that you approve the purchase of new lined 8.5 x 11 yellow note pads as I have taken the 2nd to the last one. I am also in need of 3 binders approximately 2" thick for the Johnson project reports. Please let me know by the end of the day tomorrow if I have your approval so that they supplies will arrive in time to allow me to finish the report you needed.
If he doesn't respond or says he will get to it later, follow-up at the end of the following day.
Sir, I am following up on my request for the notepads and binders. Since I have not heard from you I was wondering if you needed any additional information from me. Please let me know what I can do to expedite this request.
By doing the above, you have now shown that you are professional, diligent without being demanding and that you are trying to do the best job possible. Keep a copy of all of this documentation. Prior to going over your bosses head, send a third email stating that if he doesn't have the time currently, you would be willing to get approval from someone else, and ask who he would recommend you go to.
Realize that it is ridiculous to require a manager to sign off on every little thing. I do not doubt he is wasting time, BUT at one point I had to approve every request for paper clips and notepad prior to us ordering them. Some days I was in meetings all day, I would get to my desk and there would be an urgent request because we were out of supplies. Then I had to go to the office supply place on my way home so the office would function the next day.
Also, it was inevitable that I would be on my way to the restroom when someone would stop me and ask me questions about a project. I wouldn't have the info in front of me. I freq said I would get to it, but when I was back at my desk, other concerns overwhelmed the request in the hall. I loved getting a meeting request with a brief summary of everything the person wanted to talk about, that way I could schedule a meeting and focus. I had to learn that when someone came to my door and asked for 5 minutes I needed to tell them, send a meeting request.
Email documentation will help you in the long run if there IS an issue with personnel and/or going over your bosses head. You now have proof you tired to follow the rules and were doing your job.
If you like your job and the company, try to work things out. Take initiative and send an email recommending the supply thing change and explain exactly why it should change. Send a copy to your boss. If your job is just ok, then look for a place where your experience will be appreciated.
Answered By: halestrm - 6/23/2007 |