My manager changes her mind often .....

Anonymous

April 6,2023 at 3:06PM UTC

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My manager changes her mind often .....

She will often call with long instructions and details about what she wants. For instance, Clamp down on financial spending or arrangements for an event. i.e: late afternoon, canapes and drinks.

While I'm still busy finding a suitable date and caterer, she wants to know the brunch dates and agenda. This is just one of many examples. If I contradict her she is adamant that she did not say that. Our Company does not allow us to make recordings anymore which used to be my failsafe.

How do I manage this? I don't mind working hard but get upset when I'm being made the fool and doing double work.

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Theresa NelsonApril 6,2023 at 3:11PM UTC
You need to follow up conversations with an email. If she gives you those verbal instructions, then do a follow up email. Something like, "I appreciate the time discussing the happy hour this afternoon. Per your request, I'll start working on the planning. You requested XXX date and time. I'll be checking with these vendors...."
Then you have it in writing.
Debra SesholtzApril 6,2023 at 3:54PM UTC
Agree with the previous comment...follow up on all verbal communications with an email summarizing the details as you understand them. Ask your boss to confirm the details or add any changes. This way you will have a record of her requests.
AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 7:46PM UTC
Why aren't you putting your understanding in writing? This the best way to document your understanding of her instructions. Always close the email with "please confirm my understanding as outlined and I will get started on our plan "
AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 8:07PM UTC
Taking notes break them as tasks and send it in an email is most of the times good for both of you. It not only provides a confirmation for the content discussed unofficially, but also let's the other person see those tasks and correct/change instructions if there is a difference in understanding.
AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 8:18PM UTC
My first thought reading the original post was, "oh, no! My staff found FGB!" I don't deny ever saying stuff, however. But your description of how that happens is exactly on point for how I work and I absolutely love the advice of closing with "next steps" to clarify whether there's anything actionable I need someone else to start working on!
AnonymousApril 7,2023 at 11:05AM UTC
In writing? Use it as a confirmation tool/resource. "As discussed I am confirming the following.......... "
AnonymousApril 7,2023 at 12:42PM UTC
Ask for what she wants in writing. Then you have a record of her request. Even an email would work as evidence of her request.
AnonymousApril 8,2023 at 1:36PM UTC
While you may not be able to record, take minutes. Recap and send via email. A simple…
we discussed x, y, and z
changes were made to the date and time
budget will be $$
Send to all who attended and ask if there are any changes or concerns and move forward from there
Ann Tirrell-BurtonApril 8,2023 at 8:20PM UTC
After her call, followup with a high level summary of her asks. It will give her the chance to refute
AnonymousApril 9,2023 at 3:04AM UTC
Document document document; even go so far as tape the calls and follow up with a written summary after each meeting.
AnonymousApril 11,2023 at 1:48PM UTC
Thank you all for the great advice
misskelleypApril 27,2023 at 9:04PM UTC
Absolutely do not tape the calls - a) this is illegal in some states, and b) she's already said it's against company policy!
AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 6:23PM UTC
Check your laws and consult an attorney. But in the state I live in. It only takes 1 person to consent and it superseded the company policy.