Good morning, or good evening.
I would like your insight on a current situation.
I work for a small family run business.
The owner of the business decided to let go of our old supervisor ( he’d been w rhe company for 18 years) and brought in a new supervisor.
Since his arrival things have slowly changed. Our benefits have been cut a bit- not company match, roll back on. Leave and a bit more.
I have also noticed that the new supervisor ( although nice) seems a little two faced- not as sincere as he wants to make the team think he is.
for example, he meets with each memeber of staff biweekly and each meet he sells the pitch that he is here to help, etc. But something tells me he tells this to every employee and isn’t being honest.
My coworker and I were having a conversation about him and she said ( in so many words) that she felt he was fake. Meaning, he bs everyone. She senses that he acts almost as a teacher with teachers pets. Except no one is his pet but he makes them feel they are in order to get people to do what he wants.
My gut instinct tells me not to trust him, however it doesn’t really matter because he is my supervisor and at the end of day, it’s his game and rules.
I suppose what I am seeking is guidance on how to deal with someone who is like this? What precautions should I take?
Anonymous
08/13/21 at 5:47PM UTC
It does matter! Be professional, be courteous, be truthful, don't engage in gossip with him, don't bad-mouth him to other employees, try to stay out of any drama. And, while you are doing all of that, look for another job.
Leader904991
88
05/31/21 at 2:34PM UTC
When I read that the new sup meets biweekly with each staff member, my first thought was, "For what?" That strikes me as both a waste of time and an effort by the sup to "look busy." People like that trip my "watch your butt" alarm. I would begin documenting any and everything you witness that seems out of the ordinary or makes your Spidey sense tingle. Something's up, though I can't tell you what without being there in person.
Anonymous
05/13/21 at 7:42PM UTC
I can relate to your situation. At my last job, my department got a new supervisor who was brought on via nepotism (married to the CEO's daughter). From the get-go he struck me as very insincere and untrustworthy, and I felt like I needed to watch my back with him. I was right. He turned our department into high school where if you sat at the "cool kids table" you got the plum assignments and a good word with the higher ups. If you weren't, then he would try to undermine you and pick fights. Made for a very toxic environment.
Absolutely trust your gut, and act accordingly. That means be professional but keep him at arm's length if possible. I agree with the others that you shouldn't discuss your feelings with other co-workers unless it's someone you really, really trust. Always keep a paper trail if he tries to throw you under the bus for something. Lastly, even if you're not ready to make the leap freshen up your resume and start posting it on LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. just to get some feelers out there. Good luck.
Anonymous
05/12/21 at 3:03PM UTC
I would trust your gut! Keep your conversations strictly professional. How is he as a supervisor otherwise?
Anonymous
05/12/21 at 12:30PM UTC
I’m still stuck on the fact that they let go a loyal employee of 18 years without blinking. I wouldn’t trust anyone. They’ve shown you with their actions that loyalty doesn’t work both ways. In my experience, this new manager is just the beginning of wide sweeping changes throughout the company. You can either ride out the storm or put feelers out for a new position with another company. Regardless, make sure your resume is up to date. And remember always trust your gut: if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Honor those feelings.
Rashida Graham Educator/Trainer in Silver Spring, MD
183
06/27/21 at 3:12PM UTC
100% agree with this. A family member was in a similar situation and it was just the beginning of sweeping changes in the company, but not for the better.
Jennifer TaylorCommunications Professional
1.28k
05/13/21 at 1:22PM UTC
I completely agree with this. Trust your intuition, keep it professional, get yourself resume up to date and start hitting LinkedIn hard. Add to your connections, reach out specifically to people in your industry and recruiters. You might be surprised when job offers come rolling in.
Anonymous
05/12/21 at 12:26PM UTC
I would not talk about him with coworkers - it can get back to him or your words can be misconstrued. I would also keep a distance, and be polite and cordial.
Anonymous
05/12/21 at 4:41PM UTC
I agree, do not discuss this with coworkers or mutual friends of coworkers.
