ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 24, 1997 TAG: 9704240023
SECTION: AT WORK PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: WORKING IT OUT
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
Q. Our regional manager cornered me and asked how things were going. I told him.
They're terrible. My boss doesn't listen and misinterprets instructions, to name just a few problems. The manager offered to help me find another job, but I said no. Without warning me, he talked with my boss about what I'd said. My boss resigned and then called me into his office. He was angry and said I should have talked with him first. I didn't want him to quit or be fired, I just wanted our office to improve. I feel guilty over this.
A. If what you told the regional manager can be supported with evidence, you were simply describing the situation. If you gave only facts, you've no need to feel guilt. Focus, now, on your future with the company.
You were, in many respects, fortunate that your boss chose to resign. Had he stayed, armed with what he views as betrayal by you, he could have made your working relationship a nightmare.
Most supervisors would, in this situation, employ their energy in getting you to quit rather than in changing their problem behaviors. If faced with a similar situation in the future, ask how the information will be used. Are there are other sources for the information? Will the discussion be confidential? If you're reassured by the answers, continue the conversation with caution. If your working relationships could be further damaged, refrain from providing ammunition for use against you.
Your regional manager acted inappropriately by taking your comments, attributed to you, to your former boss. He was likely already aware of problems in your office and should have acted without involving you. This should make you very cautious in dealing with him in the future.
On the other hand, your regional manager has given you two votes of confidence. He asked for your input and offered to help you find another job. Develop that relationship, but keep your guard up. Guilt is non-productive. Instead, learn from the experience and make sure it isn't repeated.
CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER, a Lexington sociologist, can be reached at 981-3100, ext. 498, or The Roanoke Times, Business News Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.
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