DISCUSSION AND 4 RESPONSES
Hyssop2016
they_said__work__society.docxWatch the video found at this link: https://youtu.be/hK8nFTKfxrU
In your first post, state whether you agree or disagree with the advice given and explain why. Give at least one illustration or example that supports your position.
Find a classmate's message that is interesting to you and comment with substantive discussion .
Your response should expand the discussion in a new way, offer support where you provide additional illustration from your point of view, ask a probing question, provide a counter argument that is illuminating, etc. Simply stating that you agree or disagree with another does not meet the assignment requirement for discussions in this course. Excellent posts will include concepts and/or terminology from this week's reading assignment.
Remember that respect, civility and common courtesy characterize our discussions in this course.
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· Bosses RESPONSE 1
I liked the way Mary presented being a follower. Jobs are not all about the individual person, they are about the group goal and mindset. I agree with giving my boss what they want, in the manner that they like work to be done. As a boss, there are certain ways I organize my department that I like my coworkers to follow. My boss, he likes things done a certain way when it comes to paperwork. There is a certain way he likes things organized and I am happy to oblige. Mary is so correct in that we have so many focal points on leadership, we forget about followership. Great leaders need great followers.
· Difficult bosses RESPONSE 2
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Mary Abbajay had some very good points in the video but there were some that I disagreed with a little. She said in the video that “your boss has influence over your success in an organization or field.” I completely agree. Your boss can build your strengths up to other people or downplay what you do. The one and only thing that I am on the fence about is her explaining that employees should learn the boss and conform to them. But to be successful, shouldn’t to some degree, you learn each other’s style (without stepping over the lines of boss/employee relationship) and work together? If an employee doesn’t feel like the boss cares anything for them, the employee won’t live (work) up to their potential. I feel that is an important aspect of any working relationship. Even if it is strictly professional and not a laid back atmosphere, an employer can still make an employee feel appreciated. I do like the 4 things you should do: 1) Learn what’s important to your boss, 2) Do the job you were hired to do (stay in your lane-my words, not hers), 3) Support your boss, and 4) Adapt to their lifestyle. The best thing she said (in my opinion) is “don’t trash talk your boss.” That always comes back to bite you, because “there’s always ears listening.”
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· Discussion 4: Dealing with Difficult Bosses RESPONSE 3
I watched the video “Managing Up: Dealing with difficult Bosses!”. According to the video the four things we should learn to do are:
· Find out what is important to your boss
· Do the job you were hired to do
· Support your boss
· Learn their style and adapt to their style
I agree with the advice given. I believe the relationship with the boss is something taken for granted when we get hired. Getting along with the boss is as important as doing the job. In my opinion it is hard to perform well consistently when everyone is not on the same page. I worked at a job where employees did not support the boss and if affected the morale of the working environment. Some employees were disgruntled and always complaining. Our work output was not as good as it could have been. It also made the job stressful. It was a bad experience and I did not work at the job very long.
· Discussion 4 RESPONSE 4
In my background as a former corporate employee (I even had a cubical) and now as an independent contractor, the phrase "The squeaky wheel sometimes get the door" is true. Managers will keep less performing employees who support them and their objectives rather than deal with a rouge productive employee who complains or sabotages. A manager years ago provided the best advice to me professionally and I have tried always to apply it: Never bring a problem to a superior without bringing a solution as well. Managers are happy to listen to problems and concerns but not interested in adding solving said issues to their to-do lists. Managers want employees who do their jobs and fit into the organization. "They teach leadership, but not follower-ship" is an issue most organizations have whether it is two employees or two hundred. They fact is most people want autonomy and creativity at work, but the reality is very few employees will ever have it unless they are self employed. Even CEO's are subject to shareholders and boards of directors to some degree.
While working in Corporate America, companies do expect loyalty no matter the economy or financial status of the company. In a down economy, there are more seeking work than jobs available. An employee must adapt to the managers vision and objectives, support their mission, support them as managers and simply do the job hired to do. If current employees do not wish to comply, the organization will find new employees who will.
The greatest take away from "Dealing with Difficult Bosses" segment was finding work that is meaningful. If one is unhappy in their current job, look for opportunities that are better fit within the organization first. If that isn't an option, seek work outside the organization. If the current job isn't a good fit, take a risk on finding meaningful work even if it requires a pay cut. Choosing a job that fits the best is all about priorities. Money is not everything, but one can't quit a $100k job for a $25k job without planning first.
Lastly, never "trash talk" an employer or organization. The "walls do have ears" and may have no issue writing up or terminating a current employee over inappropriate comments. Furthermore, most potential employers do network (including social media posts) in addition to contacting previous employer's HR departments. Comments made in anger, especially online, could prevent future employment.
· Dealing with difficult bosses RESPONSE 5
I agree with the advice given in the video. I am experiencing this very thing and the tips she shared hits home. I've have been dealing with difficult managers in my current position that has made me want to hurry and find another job. The tips about adapting to their work style and supporting your boss really opened my eyes. With this upcoming week I am going in with a new perspective and try to be more supportive. Thinking back on a couple occasions when my supervisor took credit for work that I done I was really frustrated and upset but I see that is a form of support and in the long run it will work out for me.
· Job Advice from "The Devil Wears Prada" RESPONSE 6
I agree completely with Ms. Abbajay's advice to employees. I wrote down several quotes of advice that she had for employees and feel they are worth sharing:
1. Find out what is important to your boss and give it to them.
2. Do the job you were hired to do.
3. Support your boss.
4. Learn and adapt to your boss's style.
5.To challenge your boss is inappropriate.
6.Look for a new job at your current company before going to an outside company.
Really, I think this sums up the responsibilities of all employees. Notice she does not say that you have to like your boss. Not everyone does, sometimes a supervisor can do things that are against our personal style or ethics, but again, they are the boss. We as employees have been hired to help our boss carry out their mission, not to undermine or change it. Sometimes we have a personal agenda that we would like to undermine our supervisor in hopes that we will get their job, but that rarely happens. We would be more likely to be labeled a toxic employee than to be able to replace our boss outright.
This subject and the advice of Ms. Abbajay makes me think of a workplace movie, "The Devil Wears Prada". In this movie, Andrea doesn't care for fashion yet lands a job working for the editor of a fashion magazine. She spends a few weeks floundering in the job until she decides to put her personal feelings and style aside and try to think like her boss, Miranda, and just work as hard as she possibly can to make her happy. She ends up becoming indispensable to Miranda and replaces the other assistant and even learns to admire Miranda. However, she is not truly happy in her job and the effect that it has had on her personal life, so she leaves to find another job that more suits her personal style. This follows steps 1 - 6 perfectly and I think it is good advice for anyone to follow.
· Discussion 4 RESPONSE 7
I agree with the advice given to a certain extent. You should indeed support your boss, and learn to adapt to their leadership style. You should not trash talk your boss. If you have an issue with your boss, you should give them an opportunity to resolve the issue as with anyone else. Unless your boss asks you to do something that is against your belief and moral values there shouldn’t be an issue. If you have an idea that could potential better your job or might be a better alternative to what your boss wants, then schedule a convenient time for both of you to discuss it. Somethings challenging their authority in front of everyone isn’t the best choice. If you feel your boss is someone that is unbearable you can try using your chain of command or you can leave and find a better job that’s more suitable to your needs. But I don’t think you should ever compromise who you are or sacrifice your happiness. Some people are not and will never be good leaders.
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