Admin Forums >> Ask An Admin >> Boss makes jokes of my questions
Boss makes jokes of my questions
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Posted 4 months ago I could use some advice about how to handle my boss. He frequently teases me or makes jokes instead of answering my questions. I don't mind the harmless teasing. He means no offense and I usually fire a one-liner right back at him. However, when I need him to answer a question, or follow up on something, he sometimes won't take it seriously. For example, I asked how he preferred to pay for an order of business cards, and he responded that he had already used my credit card and that we were all set. As lame a joke as it is (him using my credit card, haha) I really wouldn't mind his poor attempt at humor. Except that I still don't know how he wants to pay for the cards. As a result, it will take longer to get the cards, since it is taking longer to place the order, since he won't tell me his preferred method of payment. If I just let it go by the wayside, he'll wait weeks until we REALLY need the cards, and then demand to know why I haven't ordered them yet. I'm not a mind reader! Why does he think it's so funny to blow off my questions? This actually makes it harder to get my work done and it makes me feel bad about the work that I do. How would he feel if I mocked the way he earns his livelihood? Any thoughts about why he may do this? Any advice on how to get the answers I need without hounding him like a nagging wife? Thanks! |
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| Posted 4 months ago Ugh, I feel for you. I used to have a boss that did that too. The worst part was that his jokes were usually so dumb, but I felt like I had to laugh or else I wouldn't be able to get past the initial 'dumb joke phase' in order to get my question answered. My advice would be to not give up on your question. Bypass the joke with a one-liner or a "Ha ha very funny, no really, which card should I use?" and try and keep a log of his preferences for things like that (which credit card does he use for office expenses? Which card for business travel bookings? Which card for office supplies?) and ask him if it's okay to keep a password protected list (you can password-protect an excel file) with his card numbers so you'll reduce the amount of visits to his office for questions. As for follow-ups - do you have access to his calendar? Maybe you can set up electronic reminders for him so that you don't have to actually get up and bug him.
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| Posted 4 months ago It sounds to me as though he wants you to take the intiative and think for yourself. How have you ordered cards in the past? Use the same method. |
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| Posted 4 months ago I would send an email that says something like: "On Friday, I will be placing an order for our business cards. I will pay for these on my credit card. If you would prefer a different arrangement, please let me know no later than close of business on Thursday. Otherwise, the order will be placed." Then you have it in writing that you tried to get a response, and you are able to control at least some aspect of your work flow. |
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| Posted 3 months ago Is there someone else you can ask in your office? The Finance Department, or whoever does your accounting, will know how it was paid the last time. And I agree, once you find out how to do it, write it down so next time you won't have to ask. My boss always answers me when he is in the office, but he tends to ignore me when he is away and then he just doesn't answer my e-mails. I e-mail him back and say "Are you ignoring me?" He gets the hint and usually replies. Sometimes our bosses are just really busy and our little question doesn't seem important in the big scheme of things. And sometimes it isn't! Make sure you are not bringing every little thing to him because part of our job is to take care of those things for them. Patricia
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| Posted 3 months ago I'd ask him direct questions. "Should I use card A or Card B?". Ask him questions that require specific answers. The email is another good way to keep a record of the answers. I give my boss what he calls, "the eye". That tells him I'm serious and need him to be serious too. |
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| Posted 3 months ago My boss knows that look as well. HA HA You got to do what you got to do. Patricia
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