Problems with a Previous Boss
“Tell me about a boss you didn’t get along with.”
- “Unfortunately, I did have a problem with my boss and my
being assertive in one of my jobs. He was in the habit of talking
loudly when he took personal calls, and he sometimes used inappropriate
language for the office. Because he was the boss, most of the
employees just tried to turn a deaf ear. But one day I happened
to be in his office, and we were discussing morale. I took the
opportunity to tell him that I had a problem with his personal
calls and language. He was really taken aback both that I had
brought it up and that anyone was offended by what he was saying.
He knew he was in the wrong and changed his behavior after that.”
- “My boss and I have very different personalities, and we
recognize that.There have been some times when we didn’t agree,
but agreed to disagree. It wasn’t that I challenged him. It
was that I sometimes saw an easier solution to a problem. I
think we actually enjoyed our ‘sparring’ times. One thing I
can tell you, and he would tell you as well, is that we always
treated each other as professionals and respected each other’s
point of view.”
- “There are some problems that just can’t get worked out.
I always try everything possible, but part of knowing when to
give up is a matter of skill and judgment. My current boss and
I just don’t seem to mesh. He didn’t select me as his administrative
assistant. He inherited me as the result of a reorganization.
I think he would have chosen a less assertive person who wasn’t
as independent as I am. My independence has allowed me to make
sound judgments when I worked for bosses who wanted me to operate
that way. I can work with minimal supervision, but I am also
a very strong team player and prefer working with supportive
teams.”
阅读导航 “Have you ever had problems so severe with management that you resigned?”