What do you think about a boss who doesn't deal with issues directly?

[Anonymous]

I work on a team of 4 people. We are all on the same level and pay grade. One person is designated the "team leader" but it's mainly so that there's a clear contact person. Our "team leader" got called into boss's office today and was told in a rude tone that we all should be making sure we're following our job description closely and if it doesn't improve by next week she'll be talking to us individually. Team leader asked for more clarification and all the boss did was keep repeating that same line and would not give any more clarification.

Of course my coworker came and told us all and none of us had any clue what the boss was referring to. We're all conscientious workers and I know I have always gotten great performance reviews. I haven't asked the others, but I'm sure theirs are fine as well.

So now we're all feeling on edge and mulling over what would have led to this situation. But it also has me thinking about the boss's leadership style. How does it make sense to just give a blanket statement to a team of 4 people without any specifics? We're always told to give specific feedback in a constructive way, but this was anything but. I would prefer that she would have spoken to us individually about any issues so that we could address anything specific that needs to be clarified or improved upon. How can we improve if we don't know what's wrong?

Have you ever had a boss like this, and if so, how have you dealt with it?

[Anonymous]

I've had a boss like this and he was an ineffective manager. His only way of dealing with issues was with vague threats. It was a depressing environment to work in.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, that's a crap boss. She should have been able to give a couple of examples of people "not following their job description closely," and explained why that was a problem.

[Anonymous]

Someone feels like their turf is being encroached upon and went to your boss, who took their side.

[Anonymous]

I'd go in and ask for specific suggestions for how you can improve performance "so that I can meet your expectations". That's a more productive approach than just asking how you can do better. You boss needs to learn to be a coach and not a judge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Someone feels like their turf is being encroached upon and went to your boss, who took their side.

This. And your boss is spineless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Someone feels like their turf is being encroached upon and went to your boss, who took their side.

This. And your boss is spineless.

I've worked with bosses like this and all that happens is that morale goes down the tubes.

[Anonymous]

One word: punk

[Anonymous]

Boss is also unlikely to say more because it will be obvious who went to them with the concern. With that said, I would demand more details and if you don't get them use that as part of your expectation setting conversation with the boss...hard to do what you are suppose to do if there is no clarity.