Are You Dealing with Someone Who Makes Unreasonable Demands?
My coaching client described his boss as a female ‘Simon Legree” – a real slave driver. As we chatted it became clear he hadn’t told his boss that the demands she was making were unreasonable.
Does your boss expect you to accomplish enormous amounts of work in an incredibly short time? Often slave drivers are overworked themselves so are they begin to dump their work to you.
What can you do?
- Do not immediately commit to any task when she gives you ‘the newest job.’ Say “Let me check my ‘to do’ list and I will get back to you – later today, in 15 minutes, tomorrow. “
- Make a list of all the jobs you have already committed to, along with an estimate of how much time it will take to complete each one.
- In a positive, helpful manner, approach your boss and show her the list and then ask for her help in prioritizing your tasks. She may say “I want them all done!” and you can say “I wish I could, now which is your top priority?” and then shut up. Let her decide and, as author Susan Scott says, “Let silence do the heavy lifting.” You may hear some grumbling and sputtering however the responsibility is where it belongs – with your boss- so you can wait. Be pleasant and firm.
- Once a decision has been made as to where your time is to be spent, thank your boss and leave.
- Document what your new priorities are and email it back to your boss. Then you will be assured you both have the same expectations.
Rather than getting angry or upset, you will be educating your ‘Simon Legree.’ If you don’t tell your boss what is on your ‘to do’ list and what you are thinking, you can’t expect her to understand. It’s your responsibility.
My coaching client said his boss was initially shocked when he put up some ground rules. He said that at first he had to really plan out what he would say and then to try to keep his emotions out of it. His voice remained dead calm. Now, for the most part, his boss does not just dump things onto him, she will ask what his schedule is like.
Have you ever worked for a Simon Legree? What worked for you?
