How to handle a bi-polar Boss...??

Question

I am a recruiter for a company that has just started up. I place ads, and talk to interested parties, filter the information via notes on the persons resume, and email it to the project manager. This guy wants me to call the people, ask questions that I think are not appropriate for the recruiter to ask like how do they get paid, contractual issues, etc ( I would gladly handle this for him, but he is SO afraid somebody is going to steal his "secret" way of doing things, he wont tell me how exactly he does these things so I cant answer people) This guy calls me 24/7 and demands I speak to him, about nothing, absolutely nothing, he just rants and raves about how he is sick of waiting for people to "sign”. and on and on and on. He is inexperienced, unprofessional, and obviously in need of guidance, but prefers to act macho and not accept advice HE has asked for…etc, its an ego thing…He created a website that is drawing NOTHING, so he is taking it out on me by being negative and demanding. He emailed me yesterday two times DEMANDING that I get results, but I have NO resources a recruiter needs to find good candidates, so its taking me longer to get interested people. After his disrespectful, untruthful, and downright “talk down to me macho” message, I told him perhaps he would be better off with another recruiter. I’m hoping this will shake him out of his bad mood, and make him realize NOBODY would take the risk I have to help him, I have no work contract, benefits, I get paid at least a week late every time, I use and pay for my personal cell to facilitate HIS new company he is trying to establish….so…..if and when he calls me, how do I tell him in a professional manner that he needs to put these things into place, and treat me respectfully ? I would like to see this project work, and I believe it can, but this guy has NO patience, he freaks out and acts bi-polar at times…halp.

Answer 1

Ok, I'm not quite sure where you get the idea that he is bipolar.

Bipolar disorder is where there are episodes of mania AND depression.   A cycle that goes up and down if not properly medicated.  If you want to diagnose the guy, it sounds like maybe he suffers from a borderline personality.  As a borderline, behavior interpersonal skills, mood and self-concept are all types of affected functions.

To have the "professionally mannered" discussion with him you could perhaps start by saying, "I don't understand you when...." or "could you please explain why....".  That way ha does not feel like you are attacking him or acting as an elitist.  If no progress is made and you and your boss  can not find a way to work thru this, use your recruiting skills and get yourself another job.

Answer 2

One thing you should do, don't let him step all over you. You have to promise me that. If you are ready to quit it is best because your boss is not going to change. It is better if you go to your bosses boss and let them know the situation.

You tell him what you want in a low calm voice, you don't need the kind words for that kind of person, be straight forward and say you are a professional who treats people with respect and expects the same treatment from him. Good luck.