What Happens When You Don’t Like Your Manager?

We spend an inordinate portion of our life working. Nearly a quarter of it for each year we’re working, actually. We spend about the same amount of time sleeping, so you might say we spend half of our waking hours at work.

Knowing this, do you really want to spend all that time somewhere unpleasant?

Hours spent in misery can make us old before our time. Not getting along with your manager is not only stressful, but it could also lead to negative consequences that go beyond your health. Keep in mind that your manager is the one responsible for negotiating your salary and suggesting you for promotion. If you don’t get along, there’s little chance that you’ll be in line for plum projects, let alone advancement.

If you’re in a job interview and you have a gut feeling about the manager, if you sense that finding common ground is going to be a struggle, you might be wondering whether or not you should accept the position. If you take it, it might get worse. But, maybe they’re not so bad after all, and the situation will work itself out. Everybody has their off days, after all.

Are You a Bad Fit With Your New Boss?

Some people are easier to get along with than others. If you immediately get a sense that you are going to clash with your new boss, only you will know whether that’s going to be an issue down the line.

It’s important, however, to look beyond the personality. Sometimes, it’s not that important to get along with everybody you work with. As long as you are working towards the same goal, at least you have some common ground.

That said, there are a few clear signs that you might have a bad time ahead. These traits are easy to pick up on in an interview, so be on the lookout. These qualities include:

1. Rudeness. An interview is generally a time when all participants are on their best behavior. If your potential new boss is rude from the start, this is a harbinger of things to come.

2. Bad Attitude. Does the manager badmouth employees or the company? Do they spend the entire interview talking about themselves? These are warning signs you shouldn’t ignore. During an interview, the manager should be getting to know you better. It should, overall, be a positive encounter. If it is not, it probably won’t get much better.

3. Employee Discontent. Take note of how the current employees interact with the manager. Do they seem happy? Or otherwise? How does the manager speak of other employees? Is he respectful and affirmative, or does he knock them down whenever he has a chance? A good manager should praise and uplift his or her team.

More Warning Signs to Consider

Sometimes, decisions are black and white. Other times, it’s a struggle. If you’re having a hard time deciding whether or not to take the job, here are some other aspects to consider:

• Does the company have a high turnover?
• How desperate are you for a job?
• How closely will you be working with this manager?
• Are there other jobs in the company that might be more suitable?

Bottom line, if you suspect you won’t get along with your new manager, you need to think carefully about your decision. Weigh the pros and cons before you commit. And when you’re ready for expert recruiting support, call Professional Alternatives today.