Blog Owner Shared a Helpful Article about Bosses

When it comes to dealing with management sometimes we just don't know where to turn or who to talk to.  Blog owner, Nicholl McGuire, shared insight with Street Articles years ago, but the piece is timeless.  Take a look, 12 Things You Can Do To Keep Yourself Out Of Trouble With Your Boss

Let Go of a Past Job - You Don't Work There Anymore

A woman shared with me how her boss was always bringing up experiences she encountered when she used to work for XYZ company.  "You know when I was there, we did this...We also did that...I really enjoyed that place.," the boss would tell staff members during meetings.  "Maybe we should do some things like them...When I worked there, we..."  So what do you think the employee and the rest of the staff were saying to themselves, "Well, you don't work there anymore!  And if it was so great, then why are you here with us?"


It is never a good idea to talk so much about a previous employer especially at a meeting.  Chances are someone just might go back and share one's experiences with the wrong person on a bad day.  Just imagine, "You know Jack is always talking about when he worked for Jill at Pail Enterprises.  He doesn't spend nearly as much time talking about work related business."  What do you think an owner might say about Jack talking so highly about the competition? 


The only time it is a good idea to bring up the past is if it is going to do two things: save time or money and even then, why mention the company?  Why not say, "I have a great idea, why don't we try doing...?"  Instead of, "When I worked for XYZ, we did a phenomenal job doing this...our team was very efficient and we got along so well."  Can you honestly say something like this about a previous employer without appearing prideful?  But some employees, do just that!  They actually cause division among the staff.  Rather than the focus being on the business at hand, everyone is focused on what a boss or employee said about his or her past experiences working with this company and that one.


The same woman who shared her past work history with the staff about her braggart boss, who loved to talk about her past employer, didn't look so happy.  The worker also showed clear signs she didn't like management too much either.  She mentioned someone complaining to the man, who hired her boss and him responding with, "I already know about her and she is good.  I hired her."  He said nothing addressing the issue and did nothing.  Fortunately, these days he is no longer her boss, his job is now available.


If you happen to be around such a person, who still is very much in love with his or her previous workplace, and doesn't mind telling the world about it, why not say, "Would you like to go back there?  Maybe we could make that happen."  This would send a clear sign to him or her to slow down with all the past employer talk.  Share with a superior that the past story-telling is annoying.  But if you are the one doing the bragging about the past, let this be a wake-up call to you, cut it out, because you aren't winning any new friends.


Nicholl McGuire 

If you ever need anything...

Workplace drama? I've had my share that was my reason for putting together this blog. As I write, I think of one supervisor who loved to walk by my cubicle staring, smirking, or saying something stupid. He was always very careful about what he said and did so that he wouldn't be accused of harassment. One day a co-worker commented to me, "You know why he is always bothering you?" I said, "No." She said, "Because he likes you." That was the last thing I thought. But when I took a moment to think about it, he did act like one of those goofy little boys who would tap a little girl's shoulder and then run or pull her hair, hoping she would chase after him. My co-worker was right. So I made a point not to be friendly and always act very serious where he was concerned.

He tried to make small talk and I would just keep it business related. He wanted to know what was wrong with me? I would always tell him nothing and then quickly talk about the business at hand. He tried to make it his business to get me to open up, but I wouldn't budge. I continued to be guarded in everything that I did when he was around. He got the point, but it didn't keep him from commenting on my hair or looking at me when I wasn't looking. My co-worker liked to instigate him to do or say something, "You know you like her..." she would say. His cheeks would turn bright red and he would keep walking. Oftentimes, her bold accusations would keep him off my back.

I never wanted him to think I was even a little bit interested in him and it all worked out for the best. Eventually we were all downsized and I needed him for a reference. He didn't give me any problems about it. He told me how much he appreciated my work and if I ever needed anything don't hesitate to ask. "Yeah I bet," I thought. He smiled and for the first time in three years I gave him a hug. My big mouth co-worker said to him, "You know you like that!" His cheeks turned red. A few days later I left the job before they told us to go. I was ready to start a new job elsewhere. I know he missed me, I could see it in his eyes. Like I said, it all worked out for the best!

Nicholl McGuire