Power-mad woman boss

**Russ** · 27-04-2005, 13:53

During the day I work part-time at a charity organisation just to keep myself busy.

The job is ok but the problem is we have a 'dynamic' female boss. The general opinion in the place is that she is power mad and enjoys occasional displays of her 'power', for example is anyone comes in for a meeting, she always keeps them waiting. It is said she was overheard on one occasion saying "I'm going to make sure that from the start of this meeting that I'm in charge" when she was 10 minutes late walking in.

It's not really bothered me as I get my tasks from another source and I never really come in to contact with her that much until this morning.

Without realising it, I parked in 'her' car space this morning. It's not listed as being for directors only, it just has the company logo on it. She stormed in to the office and with as much reserve as her anger would allow her, demanded "Who owns the green Rover? Can whoever owns it please move it IMMEDIATELY" and all the while, parked her car accross the entrance to the carpark.

As I came out to move it, I had the dirtiest look ever from her (and not in a sexual way either

) and seem to keep having them all day so far.

That incident in itself doesn't bother me, but does anyone have any tips on how to manage a boss who enjoys displays of 'power'?

Neil · 27-04-2005, 14:03

Don't take the bait.

Just carry on as if nothing she has said bothers you would be my advice.

She clearly wants to see you/people squirm when she says/does things like this, so if you don't 'display' a reaction then she has failed.

**Russ** · 27-04-2005, 14:07

Makes sense, although I think doing that might make her try even harder to show how 'powerful' she is.....

**Graham M** · 27-04-2005, 14:13

Try knocking her down a peg by showing her up?

Nemesis · 27-04-2005, 14:13

Let her ...... As long as you continue with the "i'm not bothered" approach what is she trying to prove and to whom ?

Mr_love_monkey · 27-04-2005, 14:14

You could try defecating on the bonnet of her car...

Just a thought

27-04-2005, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ D

That incident in itself doesn't bother me, but does anyone have any tips on how to manage a boss who enjoys displays of 'power'?

I don't think the problem is only with a power-mad woman boss - but I reckon that anyone who has to throw their weight about to show how 'superior' they are is usually not comfortable in their lofty role, as they're actually terribly insecure - more often than not because they can't really hack it.

So, probably you should feel terribly sorry for her.

As to the car-parking incident, I wouldn't have hesitated to point out to her that there was no need for her to be so rude about it, and that a polite request would have been much appreciated.

Next time she is late for a meeting, everyone should assume it's cancelled/delayed and leave. It is up to a manager to be very much on time - otherwise how can you pull someone else up on their time keeping?

She may think her high-flying, self-important manner will make her look effective, but anyone with the tiniest appreciation of good management skills will see straight through her.

Halcyon · 27-04-2005, 14:16

People like that are just craving attention. Dont give her anything and ignore her.

Nemesis · 27-04-2005, 14:18

On the car Park stunt ..... Ask her to explain how people ae supposed to *know* that it's her space.

On the Meeting stunt ... If she is late, go and ask if she is going to attend as you have other things you could be getting on with.

**Chris** · 27-04-2005, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ D

That incident in itself doesn't bother me, but does anyone have any tips on how to manage a boss who enjoys displays of 'power'?

I have some ideas that my reputation forbids me from sharing.

**Russ** · 27-04-2005, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScaredWebWarrior

I don't think the problem is only with a power-mad woman boss - but I reckon that anyone who has to throw their weight about to show how 'superior' they are is usually not comfortable in their lofty role, as they're actually terribly insecure - more often than not because they can't really hack it.

The reason I've specifically stated her being female is because I get the impression she is being like this to show she can be as tough as any man in her position. I understand the need for some women to be like this due to the sexist nature of some jobs but I've never encountered it myself before.

**Stuart** · 27-04-2005, 14:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

Let her ...... As long as you continue with the "i'm not bothered" approach what is she trying to prove and to whom ?

I would agree. For the time being. Reminds me a bit of something that happened to me at work (and ultimately persuaded me to go to Uni).

On the face of it, we got on OK (not particularly well, but not badly either). However, one day, I was in the Photocopying room doing some copying. She walked in and slapped me. To this day, I am still not sure why. I think it was because the machine was taking too long copying. It did backfire on her though. I was friends with one of our directors (V. nice blonde American woman). This director just happened to be standing behind her. The director told my boss off, and even offered to testify if I wished to sue. My boss got a call from our Chief Executive that afternoon, and she was politely asked to leave (or so the rumour goes - she never came back to the office).

**Chris** · 27-04-2005, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by scastle

I would agree. For the time being. Reminds me a bit of something that happened to me at work (and ultimately persuaded me to go to Uni).

On the face of it, we got on OK (not particularly well, but not badly either). However, one day, I was in the Photocopying room doing some copying. She walked in and slapped me. To this day, I am still not sure why. I think it was because the machine was taking too long copying. It did backfire on her though. I was friends with one of our directors (V. nice blonde American woman). This director just happened to be standing behind her. The director told my boss off, and even offered to testify if I wished to sue. My boss got a call from our Chief Executive that afternoon, and she was politely asked to leave (or so the rumour goes - she never came back to the office).

Slapped you? What, around the chops?

**Russ** · 27-04-2005, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

I have some ideas that my reputation forbids me from sharing.

Go on.......unlease the fury!

Nemesis · 27-04-2005, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

Slapped you? What, around the chops?

No Chris, she bent him over her knee and proceeded to spank him senseless in the photocopying room ...... DOH!!!