DRINK & DRUGS NEWS :: Q&A

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Thanks to this issue's respondents for their contributions.

Question:

I enjoy my role as a drugs worker and feel that I am working well with my clients, but recently I have been feeling very over-supervised. My manager has started to sit in on my client meetings and interrupts to the point where I'm feeling thoroughly undermined. I feel I'm being picked on. How can I tackle this calmly and constructively? [Rob, by email]

Your replies...

Rob

You have to take the bull by the horns. You're going to get nowhere until you tackle this issue directly with your boss - if you get anyone else to mediate you'll just put your boss's back up and make things worse. If your manager has a personal issue with you, this would be a chance to get it all out in the open. Just be straightforward.

Kate, Nottingham

Dear Rob

I was in your situation once and I actually started thinking I was imagining it - that's what everybody else told me, including my partner at home. My work life became a miserable experience, so I found another job. When I went to hand in my notice, my boss said to me, 'you've always hated me haven't you?' and gave a catalogue of supposed examples of me being hostile and undermining her.

This was a surprise to me as I thought she was the problem; she obviously saw it as the exact opposite. What I'm trying to say is, I left a job I enjoyed because a misunderstanding got out of hand. Tackle the situation so it doesn't happen to you.

Eleanor, by email

Dear Rob

It's hard to judge from your letter whether the situation's unfair on you. Does your manager micro-manage your colleagues? If so, then I think there's a case for solidarity and a bit of tactful team feedback. If it's just you, list the problems for your next appraisal and talk through them calmly without resorting to personal attack.

Good luck mate.

Kevin, South Wales

Hi Rob

Don't take this rubbish! You've trained for this post - what right has your manager got to make you feel insecure? He/she should be supporting you, not jeopardising your one-to-ones with clients.

Sort it out with your manager before you waste any more energy on worrying!

Tam, by email

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