Hang in There

FINALLY. I think we’re starting to resurface, folks. The headhunters are dialing for talent, and I’ve never seen so many freshly refocused job descriptions, some with prominent businesses and nonprofits.

Which is why I’m sending this message to one of my incredibly talented, strategic colleagues: Don’t answer the phone. I think you need to stay strong for a little while longer.

Your boss is threatened by your talent and leadership, which explains not only why she verbally assaults you every day, but why she thoroughly bashes you during your performance review. Never mind the brilliant ideas you share, the smart questions you ask, and the solutions you offer up to problems. It’s not constructive criticism shared with specific examples, or suggestions for improvement. It’s degrading, non-specific feedback designed to do one thing: cut you down, and scare you off.

Take a step back, and see her for what she really is. She’s been doing the same thing for more than a decade—and she’s not going anywhere. She’s been able to run her little kingdom without the expectations that she lead and develop her team. And look at your fellow team members: how many of them are really gunning for growth and development, anyway?

But have some faith in reorgs. Embrace the change. Because here’s the other half: your boss has a new boss—our functional executive—and we both know she doesn’t suffer fools. And your boss is running scared, which is why your daily dose of verbal abuse is up a few decibels. But don’t let her drag you down: find opportunities to shine. Build your own relationships, too, and don’t worry about the pecking order. (Our executive doesn’t roll that way.)

There are going to be boundless opportunities for you to connect, to work with new people, to take on new challenges, and to show the boss’s boss who really is the brains inside your operation. So hang on a little while longer—and know that we’re all pulling for you.

Acting for five minutes like Janice doesn’t make all our lives miserable is the hardest work I’ll do all day. —Wanted (2008)

Comments

[Trapped in a ship full of Janices]

I love the movie and I understand where you are coming from.