Are there any questions I can ask when interviewing that would help determine the culture?
I am wondering if there is a way to determine if there is micromanaging or a way to determine if the team doesn't get along well? Suggestions on what to ask while interviewing?
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I need help. I'm HR for a company owned by two brothers, one of them has significant mental health challenges. I have received multiple complaints from employees about the owner's erratic behavior, yelling, abusive comments, and impulsive actions (latest was writing rules on the wall and door of a common area with a permanent marker). One complaint labeled it as hostile work environment, but so far these behaviors are not targeting a protected class, just very demoralizing and uncomfortable. The latest I heard today was the owner told the employees they are to only use the old, dirty restrooms (while there is a recently remodeled one in the breakroom.
What would you do in my shoes?
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Seeking advice for dealing with a toxic manager and his employee who report to me. Six months ago, my executive director asked me to take on a new small team. She asked that I focus on documenting what they do and try to eliminate non value-add activities (a company initiative). I have spent the last six months trying to better understand what they do. Every question I ask is taken as an accusation. Every suggestion I make is met with resistance or sarcasm. Every meeting with this manager turns into a gripe session and loads of time wasted on talking about the past (pre-merger with another co) and how things were perfect but now so terrible. He and his employee bash the company constantly and point fingers but never take accountability. They refuse to include me in meetings and I often find out issues second hand.
I have not had to deal with such resistance in the past so this is a growth opportunity for me. My other teams are content. We work together to automate, eliminate and try tackle things that move the needle with ease and great success. (Very collaboratively).…
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What advice do you wish someone gave you?
Before I start I hope I don't sound ungrateful or silly.
However, I am at cross paths with my career and life.
I am qualified for my role i.e I have all my…
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When you're so important that you are late for everything!
This is my new temporary boss. She may be a nice person but she can't be on time for anything that involves her team or direct reports. She manages to above.
Yes, I don't like her. I hope she moves on and that I get a better permanent boss.…
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Hi Everyone. Looking for some advice.
I've been with a company that I really like for five years. I am a mid level employee and have had 3 managers in the past 5 years. Each has their unique way of managing and i have have adapted accordingly. My problem is with my current manager. He is very particular as to how…
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Seriously?
Yah, it's an "employer's" market, but seeing so many listings for roles that are offering literally half or 25% of what the pay should be is making me sick. You want 5-10 years experience for x? The pendulum always swings back. Employers may want to consider that. Don't hire until you can…
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Anonymous
You can ask the manager how they prefer to work with their team -- to check in at every step or two or to give an assignment and check in when it's done. You can also ask how the team works -- does everyone get their "part" and if so, who brings it all together and how? I would also ask what they think the attributes of the most successful team members are.
For all of these, there is probably a right answer for you, but not universally. I'm pretty hands off, and I have had reports who wanted more managing (which I would characterize as micro-managing.)
The questions suggested by others are great too.
Anonymous
As others have suggested, asking outright what their management style is like is probably the most direct way. You can also ask how often you’ll meet with them or hear from them/how visible are they. (Highly recommend asking if either of you are remote! I was office based but my manager was remote, I only saw him once a quarter and hardly could reach him on the phone due to his travel schedule. It was really challenging)