THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 8, 1996 TAG: 9603080068
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E9 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: KAREN & VORANDO
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Dear Karen and Vorando,
I am having some problems at my job. At the restaurant where I work, my manager is two-faced and a hypocrite. He wants to be nice and a buddy but then becomes rude, aggressive and unfair when the owner comes in.
I'm looking for another job already because the situation isn't getting any better. What can I do to deal with this person's behavior and keep my job? - Hindered Employee
Dear H.E.,
It would be nice if you could just ignore your employer's behavior and put it behind you. Unfortunately, that is your employer, so you can't ignore the directions he gives you. Follow your manager's instructions but don't become too personally involved with him. Avoid spending time together outside of work or volunteering to work more than usual.
In addition, inform your manager about how his treatment affects you and your co-workers. Attempt to make him understand that it isn't fair. If your manager acts ``buddy-buddy'' with his employees, maybe that's his way of trying to be accepted by his employees. Talk to him about ways to better relate to the staff.
Maybe your manager feels he's supposed to act this way; he might not want to seem inactive with the staff in the presence of the owner because that could put his job at risk. Perhaps your manager is receiving pressure from his supervisors that the staff is unaware of.
If the case becomes far too drastic, it's best for you to find another job. Remember, you must inform your manager on how his behavior is affecting the staff. He might not see it as a problem; he could possibly see it as part of his job. Be polite if you confront him and let your meeting be in a neutral and private setting. MEMO: Vorando Mack is a senior at Norview High School and Karen Baranski is a
senior at Green Run High School. Their column appears biweekly in
Teenology. You can ask questions by calling INFOLINE at 640-5555 and
entering category 8335, or write to them at Listen Up!, 4565 Virginia
Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, Va. 23462. by CNB