My manager is grumpy

[Anonymous]

You guys have given me decent advice before so I’m here again.

I work for a small company that is growing exponentially right now. My department is not growing (which is fine but we have kind of been left behind because of the massive growth in other areas). The manager is stressed due to a number of personal and professional and mixed factors and they are a person who shows theirs stress easily. They snap or are short with people. We all know that lots of people are sensitive delicate flowers. This short tempered-ness is turning in to *a problem* and a solid 33% of our team are fed up enough to be applying out.

Several of those people I’d hate to lose. How? Should I? Say something to manager about their tone when stressed. It is 100% a tone of voice snippy type issue.

Example

Manager: it’s already 4 and I have 6 deliverables that need a quality assurance check. Can I send them to you? (Normal request)

A: NO. I have my own work to do!

No solution offered. No delegation.

[Anonymous]

Can you give a better example of more context? In this one, if it is due at 5 or 6PM and I’m being told by a direct report that they need help with something at 4PM, I’d also be grumpy. I can help push a deadline back, or advocate for something, but if there is a constant practice to be helpful at that point of the day, I’d be grumpy too.

[Anonymous]

OP here sure context is we’ve received the project from the client after noon that day. It’s an expedited rush job. It’s not that the worker has failed to prioritize their workload.

[Anonymous]

So 33% of your company are delicate flowers? I’m sure boss man will happily replace you each with thorn bushes.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like everyone is overreacting or you are using your manager as a scapegoat for your own unhappiness at your job. Even with your context the worker sounds like half the problem.

[Anonymous]

In the future, when you get a last minute rush job, communication with your manager should start earlier, especially when you know they are stressed. So at noon when you get the job "Hey M, just got this rush job. Should be done around 4 and then I'll send to you for check. Sound good?". "no! I have too much to do!". "ok so who should I have do the check?"..
Communication is a two way street

[Anonymous]

I’m confused. In your example its a manager asking the request and the employee being snippy?

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I had the same issue and what worked for me (so far) was getting visibly annoyed and professionally defending myself. My Boss became aware that I was considering leaving and has been overly polite since. Sometimes I think just a professional straightforward discussion is worthwhile.

Q: I am overwhelmed with the work that came in at 12. Since it is due at 6, I do not believe I will get it done. I can stay late to complete the work, which will then be just a bit late, or I can finish it tomorrow. Please advise.

If your Manager responds with “I have my own work to do” then you have confirmed bad managerial skills and look for a new job with no concern that you’re making an unfair decision.

[Anonymous]

Sorry my response I realize didn’t make sense!

I can stay late or finish it tomorrow, but it will then be late. Alternatively, I can turn in what I’ve completed on time and compete the rest tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the future, when you get a last minute rush job, communication with your manager should start earlier, especially when you know they are stressed. So at noon when you get the job "Hey M, just got this rush job. Should be done around 4 and then I'll send to you for check. Sound good?". "no! I have too much to do!". "ok so who should I have do the check?"..
Communication is a two way street

Pp. This. I would also ask after a particular event, “what would you have preferred I do?” I work in a field where rush jobs are uncommon, but when I do ask for a quick turnaround, I expect communication as soon as they receive the request. This allows me to plan my own work.