Managing your manager

We've all had at least one terrible boss. They are out there in Workamping land too. Some are bullies, some micro-managers, some simply have no idea what a manager should do. Most have never been to "boss school."

Chances are you are going to be dealing with a difficult person at some point when you work on the RV road. If not your boss, then a co-worker or customer. The best defense is a good offense; think about situations and know what you are going to say or do. For help, I recommend a little book I found, Perfect Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People," by Susan F. Benjamin.

For example, in dealing with a bully boss who perhaps insults you or embarrasses you around other people, she recommends some of the following starter phrases:

• If you have negative feedback, please give it to me privately.
• Please stop [Name the negative behavior].
• I don't appreciate jokes about my spouse or anyone else in my family.
• You must address me by my real name.
• I would like to improve my performance, but comments like that give me no direction.
• We all try to provide great customer service, and embarrassing my team in front of the customers destroys our efforts.

These should be said privately, otherwise by embarrassing your boss in front of others you increase the likelihood he or she will fight back. Getting upset or responding in anger will only inflame the situation and possibly invite more of the bully behavior. On the other hand, you must confront it or you also invite more. These phrases should be said like you mean them.

I do recommend this book to get you started thinking about positive ways to handle difficult people. Life is too short to be miserable on the job. Empower yourself and don't let others make you feel miserable. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.