Issues with new manager

theblessedone

Hi all,

3 weeks ago I started a new job.

The first week was good, getting to know people and the job and was such a better set up than I'm used to and found the work incredibly easy. Hands down the best job, work wise, I've ever done.

Unfortunately, there is one problem. My new manager. He was nice in my interviews, nice on my first week, but in the last 2 weeks he's become completely rude and unbearable. He speaks to me in a condescending tone for no reasons whatsoever, he doesn't ever seem to listen to anything I actually tell him, or should I say he chooses what he wants to hear and then rambles on and working himself in to a unnecessary high level of annoyance, to which at that point I then have to re-explain what I had already told him as he doesn't really listen at all. He very much likes the sound of his own voice, so when I am in the middle of explaining something to him or asking him for advice on something, he'll cut me off and again not really give me the advice I was looking for as he can't seem to understand what a conversation entails.

With all the mentioned above, I called him in to a meeting on Monday to see whether he had an issue with me or my work that would cause him to talk to me like this, to which he pointed out that he was aware of his issue as the last 5 employees he had in doing my job, all left within the space of 2 months because of their "complications" with him. He said he would try and "adapt his style of management" to clear this issue, but as of the last 2 days, this hasn't changed.

He mentioned to me in the interview process, that the previous employees left because their level of work wasn't good enough, but now this has come out of the woodwork I'm actually seriously concerned. I'm still obviously under my probation for 3 months and don't really want to involve HR as he could easily say, "Well clearly you have enough of an issue with me to go to HR, I don't want you hear, jog on", however I don't want to have to contend with this level of attitude anymore and would it look bad to another job if I left only being here for a few weeks?!

Help!!

Takeaway_Addict

he can dismiss u for pretty much anything in the first 2 years and you have no comeback (except discrimination issues such as race, gender etc or standing up for statutory rights)

Start looking for another job IMO

Annisele

I wonder if the manager is actually genuinely trying to change.

He didn't tell you about the other peoples' issues in the interview - possibly because he didn't want to prejudice you against him - but he has told you now. He's also said he's trying to adapt his style.

If you think he really is trying, you could consider having a difficult conversation about what you can do to help him. Maybe he'd prefer you submitted your proposals/questions in writing rather than discussing with him? Maybe he'd prefer to speak to you at a particular time of the day, so he knows when he's going to be interrupted?

It is of course entirely possible he's just obnoxious. I can quite see why you'd want to look for another job (I'd definitely be doing that as a back up plan), but if he's been open with you about trying to change his style I'd see that as a small positive.

elsien

How do your colleagues handle his behaviour? Any tips there for you to follow?

harrys_dad

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

he can dismiss u for pretty much anything in the first 2 years and you have no comeback (except discrimination issues such as race, gender etc or standing up for statutory rights)

Start looking for another job IMO

Well that depends on the structure of the company. The company can indeed dismiss the OP as you have indicated, but the immediate manager is unlikely to have that power.

I suggest that you do consider going above your manager's head to HR, as they will know he has got through 5 previous staff before you, and possibly know the same reason.

What have you got to lose?

theblessedone

elsien wrote: »

How do your colleagues handle his behaviour? Any tips there for you to follow?

In regards to my team, it's just me and him.

However, interaction with other colleagues across the building and people who come to him with questions is exactly the same, to the point I've seen employees standing over his desk blush uncontrollably as he practically embarrassed them on the spot.

theblessedone

Annisele wrote: »

I wonder if the manager is actually genuinely trying to change.

He didn't tell you about the other peoples' issues in the interview - possibly because he didn't want to prejudice you against him - but he has told you now. He's also said he's trying to adapt his style.

If you think he really is trying, you could consider having a difficult conversation about what you can do to help him. Maybe he'd prefer you submitted your proposals/questions in writing rather than discussing with him? Maybe he'd prefer to speak to you at a particular time of the day, so he knows when he's going to be interrupted?

It is of course entirely possible he's just obnoxious. I can quite see why you'd want to look for another job (I'd definitely be doing that as a back up plan), but if he's been open with you about trying to change his style I'd see that as a small positive.

Oh absolutely, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt and at the end of the day, my job is the one at risk at the moment, so I am trying to make an effort with him and trying to lighten his mood.

Yesterday for example, he seemed to be in a bit more cheerful mood, but only for a portion of the day and then at one point he started again and it just went downhill from there. Hence the message on here as I don't think there is any talking to the guy and it seems like his manager knows how he behaves and doesn't really care.

Guess it's job hunting for me!

theblessedone

Another complex issue is, would I bother putting this company on my CV as I've only been there a matter of weeks!

ohreally

theblessedone wrote: »

In regards to my team, it's just me and him

Individuals like this rarely change. If you don't see signs of improvement shortly, i'd look to move on.

HR are already aware of the situation and have failed to act by the look of things (whats new there) - it will likely end in tears if you approach them for assistance.

Cutzee

theblessedone wrote: »

Another complex issue is, would I bother putting this company on my CV as I've only been there a matter of weeks!

I wouldn't put it on there - it's only weeks and if you go temping for example, you could lose those weeks within that. That's what I have done in a similar situation.