What should I do about this work problem that involves being caught between two supervisors?

What should I do about this work problem that involves being caught between two supervisors?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

Hmm, this is a game you can only lose. (Getting cauight between two superiors.) I don’t think it would have been a bad idea to say to the managing partner that “Immediate Supervisor” had asked you to do the task or to do it that specific way. Simply make sure there is no tone or extra information as you say it. That is why your supervisor gets paid the big bucks—to take the flak from the big cheese if there is any. I also would have said something to my supervisor. “Mr. X just told me ‘Y’ regarding the Z you asked me to do. Now what?” Your best and safest course is to be honest and avoid any taking sides or editorializing in this political battle. You don’t have a dog in the hunt, but you could end up as collateral damage. Good luck.
by

Related questions

To what extent do you think your supervisor(s) and management want you to be happy and inspired at work? Managers and Supervisors: To what extent do you want your employees to be happy and inspired at work?

Description : To what extent do you think your supervisor(s) and management want you to be happy and inspired at work? Managers and Supervisors: To what extent do you want your employees to be happy and inspired at work?

Last Answer : answer:Not at all. We were taken over a year and a half ago. When the appointed President of our subsidiary came to meet us in a “town hall” meeting, he told us “we don’t care about you being happy or having fun at work. We are here to work.”

MANGERS, SUPERVISORS, BOSSES: What do you think of a manager who, during our last staff meeting, asked us not to bring any problems to her...that she was at her emotional limit and...

Description : MANGERS, SUPERVISORS, BOSSES: What do you think of a manager who, during our last staff meeting, asked us not to bring any problems to her...that she was at her emotional limit and...

Last Answer : Management in most cases is there to play role of mediator and backup support. doesn't matter what career. she is definitely wrong. it sounds like she is overwhelmed though and being considerate ... employees to save there problems (unless it is an immediate concern) for discussion after the shift.

What Song do you get caught singing as you work?

Description : What Song do you get caught singing as you work?

Last Answer : I don’t go to work but gosh, ALL day I’ve been singing that song “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”. It’s driving me darn nuts!

Can you share a time you lied at work and got caught?

Description : Can you share a time you lied at work and got caught?

Last Answer : I declined a promotion and did so on the grounds that I was lacking a certain training element which, in fact, I had. I didn't want the promotion because I knew the person who would get it in my place ... sunofabitch fail as much as I did. he slapped me on the back and we went and had a drink.

Which of the following qualities did the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research find in effective supervisors? (a) Participative problem solving. (b) Delegation of authority. (c) An interest and concern for subordinates. (d) All the above.

Description : Which of the following qualities did the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research find in effective supervisors? (a) Participative problem solving. (b) Delegation of authority. (c) An ... to display all of those qualities mentioned above, together with high standards of performance.] 

Last Answer : a

I need some expertise on a work problem can you help, rest in details?

Description : I need some expertise on a work problem can you help, rest in details?

Last Answer : Ice melt?

What should I do in about this work problem?

Description : What should I do in about this work problem?

Last Answer : Sounds like a hostile work environment. It should be brought to the attention of C or D's supervisor. If that person is involved, go up in the chain of command until it is resolved. It doesn't ... a student worker. If you see a problem, it is your responsibility to see that it is taken care of.

Can HR or Manager of a company force you to resign because you cannot come to work because of medical problem?

Description : Can HR or Manager of a company force you to resign because you cannot come to work because of medical problem?

Last Answer : If you are in the USA, you can file for FMLA. Then they cannot force you to resign, and have to keep your position open for you. If you have used up all your leave, they don’t have to pay you for the extra time.

Is the National on CBC news world right about men's work being phased out because of robotics?

Description : Is the National on CBC news world right about men's work being phased out because of robotics?

Last Answer : answer:Uneducated and unskilled men, sure. Driving a truck, factory work, deliveries - those will soon be easily automated jobs. Building and maintaining the trucks, the factory robots, and ... , HVAC, health care - always-custom jobs that are essentially physical cannot be outsourced overseas.

Am I wrong in being a bit uncomfortable about my girlfriend kissing other women for work?

Description : Am I wrong in being a bit uncomfortable about my girlfriend kissing other women for work?

Last Answer : I would not be comfortable with it. Kissing is intimate regardless of reason- but that could just be me. What theme park is this? It sounds unlike any theme park I have ever been to.

A question involving work, morals and being laid off.

Description : A question involving work, morals and being laid off.

Last Answer : If I didn’t need the job, I’d have walked off. Otherwise, I’d have stayed. Is there some pride thing going on here? Security is more important to me than pride, in general. There are things I will not put up with, but usually, it’s not that big a deal. Suck it up. Sweep the floors. So what?

How do I explain this problem to Colleagues?

Description : How do I explain this problem to Colleagues?

Last Answer : What about treating the anxiety instead?

In some instances don't you just have to get into the mix when it was not your problem to begin with?

Description : In some instances don't you just have to get into the mix when it was not your problem to begin with?

Last Answer : You seem to have a good plot for a soapie! If I had all of the information you do and worked there I would secretly have a word to someone in management who is understanding and explain why ... back away from both of these blokes. Their oneupmanship seems to be more important to them than she is.

Can we solve the problem of hallway etiquette?

Description : Can we solve the problem of hallway etiquette?

Last Answer : There is a hallway etiquette? wow

How do I handle this co worker problem?

Description : How do I handle this co worker problem?

Last Answer : answer:You snore really badly. You need your privacy. You wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom a lot. You can't fall asleep with another person in the room. ... (an arrangement that happens to fall through at the last minute). You're bringing your girlfriend/boyfriend/mistress.

What is the duration for supervisors course (TW-3)? (i) One week * (ii) Two weeks (iii) As decided by TPP/LKO (iv) 3 working days

Description : What is the duration for supervisors course (TW-3)? (i) One week * (ii) Two weeks (iii) As decided by TPP/LKO (iv) 3 working days

Last Answer : (i) One week

Job references - when they say do not include past supervisors, does that include teachers/instructors?

Description : Job references - when they say do not include past supervisors, does that include teachers/instructors?

Last Answer : I do not believe teachers and instructors you took classes from are considered supervisors. (I could be wrong.)

What should I do for my supervisors birthday?

Description : What should I do for my supervisors birthday?

Last Answer : Get him a cake and get a pizza for all for lunch. If he protests, just tell him you wanted cake and were using his birthday as an excuse to get a cake. Don’t make a big deal out of it being his birthday, just make it a festive lunch with cake.

first and foremost supervisors are -General Knowledge

Description : first and foremost supervisors are -General Knowledge

Last Answer : First and foremost, supervisors are advocates.

What statement is and example of the supervisors role in the classification process?

Description : What statement is and example of the supervisors role in the classification process?

Last Answer : Need answer

What are the basic reasons why supervisors fail to delegate as much as they should?

Description : What are the basic reasons why supervisors fail to delegate as much as they should?

Last Answer : Need answer

What is the first and most important step supervisors to resolve conflict?

Description : What is the first and most important step supervisors to resolve conflict?

Last Answer : When it comes to dealing with conflict what are some of thecommon mistakes to avoid

Which of the tools available to supervisors automates a position description and provides a searchable automated master file of position descriptions?

Description : Which of the tools available to supervisors automates a position description and provides a searchable automated master file of position descriptions?

Last Answer : fasclass

Decentralisation– (A) Increases the importance of supervisors (B) Decreases the importance of supervisors (C) Increases the importance of subordinates (D) Decreases the importance of subordinates

Description : Decentralisation– (A) Increases the importance of supervisors (B) Decreases the importance of supervisors (C) Increases the importance of subordinates (D) Decreases the importance of subordinates

Last Answer : Answer: Increases the importance of subordinates

Under this method of billing a client, the external auditors charges on the basis of time spent by principals/partners, supervisors, seniors and juniors at predetermined rates agreed upon with the client a. Maximum fee basis b. Flat sum basis c. Retainer basis d. Per diem basis

Description : Under this method of billing a client, the external auditors charges on the basis of time spent by principals/partners, supervisors, seniors and juniors at predetermined rates agreed upon with the client a. Maximum fee basis b. Flat sum basis c. Retainer basis d. Per diem basis

Last Answer : Per diem basis

The system of payment of honorarium to staff (including supervisors) of divisional office for procuring of PLI/RPLI proposal is Rs a) 5000/- b) 4000/- c) 1000/- d) No honorarium

Description : The system of payment of honorarium to staff (including supervisors) of divisional office for procuring of PLI/RPLI proposal is Rs a) 5000/- b) 4000/- c) 1000/- d) No honorarium

Last Answer : b) 4000/

Describe a situation in which you found that your results were not up to your professor's or supervisor's expectations. What happened? What action did you take?

Description : Describe a situation in which you found that your results were not up to your professor's or supervisor's expectations. What happened? What action did you take?

Last Answer : Give a situation in which you misunderstood the expectations, not where you didn't do your best. Misunderstandings happen, and you can explain that now you always make certain you understand exactly what your boss or professor wants.

What information should be recorded as a minimum, on a completed production weld? a) Size and type of electrode and b) Welding supervisor’s name c) Welder’s Identification, date and weld number d) Welding inspectors name

Description : What information should be recorded as a minimum, on a completed production weld? a) Size and type of electrode and b) Welding supervisor’s name c) Welder’s Identification, date and weld number d) Welding inspectors name

Last Answer : c) Welder’s Identification, date and weld number

What is the validity after supervisors course (TW-3)? (i) Normally, supervisors shall not be required to undergo the course again. However, they may be sent for course on performance basis.* (ii) 2 years (iii) 5 Years (iv) 10 Years

Description : What is the validity after supervisors course (TW-3)? (i) Normally, supervisors shall not be required to undergo the course again. However, they may be sent for course on performance basis.* (ii) 2 years (iii) 5 Years (iv) 10 Years

Last Answer : (i) Normally, supervisors shall not be required to undergo the course again. However, they may be sent for course on performance basis.*

When we classify managers according to their level in the organization they are described as _______. (a) Functional, staff and line managers (b) Top managers, middle managers and supervisors (c) High level and lower level managers ; (d) General managers and administrative managers

Description : When we classify managers according to their level in the organization they are described as _______. (a) Functional, staff and line managers (b) Top managers, middle managers and supervisors (c) High level and lower level managers ; (d) General managers and administrative managers

Last Answer : (b) Top managers, middle managers and supervisors 

The research papers are generally prepared by Options: A) The research scholars B) The research supervisors C) The scientists D) All of the above

Description : The research papers are generally prepared by Options: A) The research scholars B) The research supervisors C) The scientists D) All of the above

Last Answer : D) All of the above

My boss left me out in below zero cold for 45 minutes... then yells at me for being hateful. How would you have reacted?

Description : My boss left me out in below zero cold for 45 minutes... then yells at me for being hateful. How would you have reacted?

Last Answer : You need to add some detail. He locked you out of the building and gave an evil laugh while watching you freeze? He made you wait for him to get to work and open the place up? He kept ... customer inside? I might have reacted the same way that you seem to have: by becoming confused and forgetful.

What is it like being a cart attendant at a store?

Description : What is it like being a cart attendant at a store?

Last Answer : It is one of the few jobs at a store where you get outside, so that is a plus. And you get outside everyday, no matter the weather, so that is a minus. It is repetitive, and you are on your feet all day. But that can be a good thing.

At your job, are you allowed any leeway with being late? If so, how often is it tolerated and what are the implications if it's not?

Description : At your job, are you allowed any leeway with being late? If so, how often is it tolerated and what are the implications if it's not?

Last Answer : It totally depends on the teachers. Some are pretty tolerant while others aren’t. And those who don’t range from being slightly annoyed by the sight of students coming to enforcing severe punishment. I’ve seen a teacher ban a student from going to class and mark them as “absent”.

Am I being unreasonable and/or irresponsible with this money issue?

Description : Am I being unreasonable and/or irresponsible with this money issue?

Last Answer : I took one of my dogs to a class and I had to pay up front and sign a contract that if for any reason I couldn’t complete the class I could use it for a future class. The money was non-refundable.

Would you opt for an operation that has less than a 50/50 chance at being successful?

Description : Would you opt for an operation that has less than a 50/50 chance at being successful?

Last Answer : I should also add the operation will totally put me off work for another 6 to 8 months.

Advice for being the only guy in the office?

Description : Advice for being the only guy in the office?

Last Answer : answer:Don’t be the only guy in the office. Be one of 14 employees. Work and gender don’t mix. Neither do relationships and work.

Any tips on being an effective mentor?

Description : Any tips on being an effective mentor?

Last Answer : answer:This can be a tough age group. Are they responsible kids who show up for work on time, work hard, and are customer friendly? If they are then continue to encourage that. Hopefully they are ... good work, and keep your sense of humor, remember, they are HS and College kids after all :)

What can I do to stop being such a procrastinator?

Description : What can I do to stop being such a procrastinator?

Last Answer : answer:I really think the only way you can go from procrastinating to not is to have some consequence happen for you that hurts enough that you start taking small steps to start planning and following ... on something ahead of time circumvents the feelings of panic that you won't be done in time.

Is being a parent the hardest job in the world?

Description : Is being a parent the hardest job in the world?

Last Answer : I don't know from experience, but I would think it would be. You have these tiny little people that you are bringing up and molding and giving them all the resources you can to enable them to live their lives ... your work. A parents job is 24/7. Parents don't get enough kudos for a job well done.

How can I practice law in Canada without being a citizen?

Description : How can I practice law in Canada without being a citizen?

Last Answer : Check the Canadian Bar Association WEBSITE. This is for basic information but is sounds like a FOREIGN STUDENT is would not qualify for membership. Being a member would NOT allow you to act as a lawyer. Maybe able to clerk for someone in a law office.

What's worse: being unemployed or working at a job in which you are miserable to the point of illness?

Description : What's worse: being unemployed or working at a job in which you are miserable to the point of illness?

Last Answer : answer:Depends on the situation honestly. Do you have any money to live on while you look for work? Does anyone depend on you like an aging parent, or children? Are you getting an ulcer or are you so ... attack? Sometimes, it's all in the situation. I'd rather be unemployed if my life could bear it.

Can an employer fire someone who has a doctor's excuse for being absent?

Description : Can an employer fire someone who has a doctor's excuse for being absent?

Last Answer : answer:Not if you’re pregnant no. You would be able to sue the bejebus out of them. Furthermore your employer would have to be a MEGA dbag to not understand that you may need some random days off for that whole, having a child growing inside you thing.

What's the best thing about being a working mom?

Description : What's the best thing about being a working mom?

Last Answer : This is still sort of a negative, but if your family does not appreciate you, your boss and co-workers often do. You don't get paid for what you do at home, and if they don't thank you and ... was far better. I could look in my wallet and see proof of what SOMEONE thought my contribution was worth.

What keeps coal mines from being automated?

Description : What keeps coal mines from being automated?

Last Answer : The actual mining is nearly completely automated, but the machines need constant human attention.

Why do women who are married and being supported by their spouse have to describe what they do all day?

Description : Why do women who are married and being supported by their spouse have to describe what they do all day?

Last Answer : Envy.

How did you (or do you) deal with being unemployed?

Description : How did you (or do you) deal with being unemployed?

Last Answer : Depression without work is very normal. I have heard that this is amplified in men as well. To deal with the depression it is very helpful to find something that makes yourself useful. ... . Another thing I did was write notecards with interview questions on them and practiced answering them.

Why am I finding the delights of Fluther rather than doing my job that im being paid to sit here and do?

Description : Why am I finding the delights of Fluther rather than doing my job that im being paid to sit here and do?

Last Answer : I don’t know, but if you find out, let me know too.

I need a delicate way to tell my boss that I feel like I am not being trained and kept up to date.

Description : I need a delicate way to tell my boss that I feel like I am not being trained and kept up to date.

Last Answer : I should have added this: How do I ask to be kept better informed without looking or sounding like I am complaining, even though I am?

Has anyone been in trouble for being on ask-public while working?

Description : Has anyone been in trouble for being on ask-public while working?

Last Answer : Nope, my boss actually liked it and didn’t mind me going on it, but i also work at a computer store. heh