Problems at work?

Question

Help! There's someone at work who is new to the firm and I have to do his work. Trouble is, he doesn't understand what it is that I do or the terms used to describe certain functions etc - so his instructions to me are confusing, even though he knows exactly what it is he wants. Anyway, I do the work according to his instructions, only to find out later that that's not what he meant! Not only that, my reputation is now being damaged because he's telling people I'm incompetent!! I'm at the point now where I'm thinking of quitting. He's been spoken to about this, but he just doesn't see that the problem has anything to do with him - he just thinks that the support staff don't know how to do their job (i.e. me!).

Answer 1

Don't just quit. If you're at that point, start job hunting and find another position first. Have you asked to be reassigned? The other thing you could do is start using a tape recorder. If he is asking you to do X,Y, and Z, then later is claiming that he clearly asked for A,B, and C, then have it on tape so he can't claim otherwise. (though it sounds as if no one is refuting what you say, but maybe even he doesn't know what he's asking of you? I don't know, but I hope it helps! (Of course if his instructions are written then this is of no use!)

Answer 2

Report him to a higher level of management, eg head office. If other people you work with feel the same, get them to do it as well. The more people who report him, the more likely you are to get a positive result from it.

Answer 3

It's really hard to deal with a person like this. Sometimes the answer really is to leave, because that'll look better than creating a drama about it by drawing everyone else into the problem in your bid to deal with it. I think just keep an eye out to see if there are any better jobs, in case something good comes along, and in the meantime you'll have to be really careful when dealing with him. When he gives you instructions, go overboard asking him for more and more details about what it is that he wants you to do. If he doesn't understand the terms that you use you'll have to clarify every single one with him before you do any work, and if he asks you why you're not doing it quickly enough you'll have to be as honest as possible about it whilst at the same time make it sound like you're not trying to be difficult. It's a fine line. Good luck.

Answer 4

Always ask him 20 questions before you do that job

Discuss with him before doing it

Talk to him nicely and clarify

Always ask ask ask