[joannwickham@comcast.net]

I need help! I recently started a new job (1/5/09) as an Administrative Asst. To get right to the point, my boss is a nut-case. Everthing she has asked me to do is wrong, - let me give you an example. I brough an empty spreadsheet into her office and asked her if she would supply the column headings for a client spreadsheet she wanted me to do for the 5th time. She refused to write anything down, so as she started to tell me I wrote them down-right in front of her so she could see. The next day I brought the spread she to her and she had a fit..stating that the spreadsheet was wrong and not what she wanted. When I showed her the paper from the day before, she just got louder and more rude...so far she has done this with everything she has asked me to do...Today she gave all my spreadsheets to another worker for her to format like she does her spreedsheets (very antiquated). She did this secretively behind closed doors-and on top of that, she bought pizza for lunch for the office letting each person know to come back to the lunch room and never came to me.

I am on the verge of being fired. I have NEVER had this problem before,nor had a boss like this. What can I do?

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Wow. That is definitely a dilemma. Your boss sounds very difficult and it certainly seems like things aren't working for you there. I'm going to offer my old stand-by recommendation of "open the lines of communication." If you haven't sat down and had a heart-to-heart with your boss, now is the time. Take examples with you, just like the ones you listed above, and ask what you could have done differently to make things smoother. She is going to have to understand that you, as a new employee, need clear instructions and patience. You're not a mind reader, and - though you may get better at predicting her needs in the future - you most likely will never be a mind reader. You also need to remember that you can't change people, you can only change your own reaction to the them. So, don't let her tone of voice or rude behavior (like not inviting you for pizza) get under your skin. Be professional and ask for her help improving your performance. This is your job and you want to show that you care about making it work.

I know it's a tough economy but if things don't improve you may need to bite the bullet and start looking for a new position. There are plenty of bosses out there that are supportive, willing to train you, patient and interested in helping you succeed. But give this one a good shot first. Communication is your number one tool here.

Good luck! And let us know how it goes.

[LisaOlsen]

I would be curious to know if you replaced someone or if this is a new position? If you replaced someone, it sounds like this boss is suffering from "PASD" or, post admin stress disorder! Her nutcase tendencies may simply be outward behavior that is a symptom of this every popular disorder. She is used to doing things a certain way, and unfortunately from the way you describe her, is lacking in some leadership skills that help her recognize the value of having you on board with fresh ideas and a willingness to step in get the job done well.

I agree with Chrissy. Talk to her. Give her a probationary period. If after a certain time, you still feel you are the victim of her PASD, then it might be time to actively and aggressively search for a new position. It has to be a good fit for you too, Joann, otherwise your skills and talents won't shine through.

Good luck.