Know manager’s style before taking the job

Dear Joan:
I am writing to you about a dilemma at my workplace. I work for a small office. Out of eight positions six of us are new-- less than six months here. Five of the positions were open due to employees quitting.

The first few months, the President treated us all well. After that, she decided to let her real personality come out. She tries to hide and listen to our conversations. She constantly is second-guessing our decisions and wants everything her way or no way. She has a set two hours every day, which is supposed to be quiet time. We are not to disturb each other during this time. None of the employees like this policy because it can hinder our workload if we need answers during this time. She doesn't care, though. If you are seen talking to someone during that time she gives you a dirty look. She tries to keep us as isolated as possible from each other. She does not like to see us communicating.

She also doesn't want to confront you if she doesn't like something that you are doing. She will complain about you to someone else in the office. She will also treat you very well in front of visitors, but not treat you well otherwise.

She has gone through thirteen assistants until she finally hired the current one that she has. Prior employees who quit said that they quit because of her treatment and because she had unrealistic expectations of them.

The office manager is someone who will not stand up to her, no matter what the situation. He goes along with whatever she says. He is no help.

Five of us are looking for new jobs. Do you have any suggestions or should we just leave? Also, how can we go about finding out how a company's morale is? What kinds of things can we bring up in an interview to try to determine this? Is it ok to ask to speak directly to some of the employees?

Answer:
I'm often asked if the letters I answer are real. I sometimes wish they were made-up. What's worse, I get many letters like this. It's depressing to imagine what it must be like to work in this environment. The work ethic isn't dead in this country--it's often beaten out of people.

This boss is a classic example of why the "command and control" management style should be put in the Management Museum. Two hours every day of "quiet time?" She might be my hands-down winner for the "Boss from Hell" award.

What's particularly disturbing about this president, is that she knows how to treat employees well because she can put on the show when she wants to. Like an emotionally abusive parent, she can be sweet as pie when company comes.

Sadly, she creates her own self-fulfilling prophecy. By over-controlling, talking about employees behind their backs, and second-guessing every move, she sets up a situation where employees resent her and join forces against her. When she sneaks aground and over-hears their feelings she thinks, "Aha! See? You just can't trust those employees! I will just have to pull the reins tighter!" It's clear to me that you have little choice but to leave...lest you choose to become like the office manager.

During interviews it's perfectly acceptable to ask the hiring manager to describe his or her management style. It's also fair to ask that manager about the turnover rate in their area. Related questions are, "Why aren't you filling this position from the inside?" and "What happened to the person who had this job before? Why did they leave?" Of course, all of these questions should be asked tactfully and pleasantly.

A good manager wouldn't feel threatened by a request to meet a few internal customers and co-workers if it's clear that you are a finalist for the job. You might say, "We both have a lot to lose if I'm not a good fit for the position. Now that you're getting close to making a decision, would you object to letting me meet a few of the people I would be working with? That way, we can all see if I'm a good match before the final decision is made." If the employer bristles at this request, I'd be suspicious.

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Savvy Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You’re Worth on a New Job (Detailed, special report)
Easy, Step-by-step Guide to Using the Internet to Land a Great Job (Detailed, special report)
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The Resume that Gets Results and the Interview that Gets the Job (37 page, detailed instructions)