Q: I was very excited to get a job in the IT department at a top university. When I started, I was placed in a group under a supervisor who had worked there for about two years, but I had not met him during the interviewing process. When I was introduced to him, he didn't say a word. Not even a "welcome" or "hello." He has turned out to be the worst person anyone could work for.
He assigns each employee his or her own projects, so we work individually. I know my field well, but we all have questions periodically and this supervisor hands over work without instructions. He offers nothing other than to give us the result he wants.
The first time I had questions, I texted him. He never responded. I then emailed him. Again, he didn't respond. All the techs work in a huge room with no separators, so the supervisor walks around to talk to individuals. I needed my questions answered so I could continue working, so I approached him while he was talking to one of my co-workers.
I stood near him but not so close as to interrupt his conversation. I politely waited for him to acknowledge me by nodding or briefly saying, "I'll be with you in a minute." That is not what he did. He knew I needed a question answered, but he continued ignoring me. I waited for 30 minutes, hoping for a break in his conversation. I finally gave up and returned to my desk.
Ignoring me took more energy than if he had just responded with: "I'll be with you in a minute," or "Let me get back to you." I now know he routinely refuses to communicate. He is arrogant and he responds rudely to everyone. He finally said much later, "Text me and I'll answer you if I have time." Not when — but if he has time. Seriously?
I have also approached him when he was not in conversation and said, "I haven't received responses to my texts or email, so I thought I'd ask you in person." I don't know what's wrong with him, but his response was unbelievable. He again gave me the routine answer — he would get back to me when he had time. I texted again and again he ignored me. I've heard he treats everyone like this.
I have to keep track of my time on each project and I don't know what to do about the situation. I can't list my timesheet to read, "Waited for two hours for supervisor to answer my question so I could continue working." I'd like to quit, but apart from him, I like the job and I won't give into this jerk. I would complain to his boss, the department head, but I thought that would not be smart since I am new.
A: Your supervisor's behavior works against the overall effectiveness of the department and each of his employees. He sounds deluded by self-importance, which is why all of you should file a detail complaint with the human resource department. He's only been there for two years, so it's odd your co-workers hadn't already tackled this problem. No organization can afford to retain such an employee.
Ask your co-workers how they've shown their timesheets for each project when they experience a standstill due to the supervisor's refusal to provide guidance. Hopefully, they have not included their "waiting time" on a project's timesheet. If senior management conducts a department audit on time spent on the projects, all of you may appear as slow workers, which in itself would signal a department problem.
Forming a group to report this supervisor will show HR there's a serious problem, whereas a complaint from only one person can be easily dismissed. It may be difficult to rally your co-workers, but it's the best way to report this supervisor's management style.
Email career and life coach [email protected] with your workplace questions and experiences. For more information, visit www.lindseyparkernovak.com and for past columns, see www.creators.com/read/At-Work-Lindsey-Novak.
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