Power Games At Work

[PokemonFan]

I work in a detached, open office where the workforce is divided into different groups but open office. This separation has created silos and communication barriers whilst forcing everyone who is a lower level to listen to everything.

I took this low-level easy job to finish my degree, which I am nearing completion of. To manage the workload between full-time work and part-time study, I have adopted a growth mindset, believing that maintaining a positive attitude towards learning is key to staying motivated.

Unfortunately, my positive attitude failed me, resulting in a 45-minute panic attack.

Since I started this job, my manager has gone on maternity leave, and both the director and two support managers have quit. We currently have an acting manager for my department, but she is quite unpleasant.

She frequently makes disparaging comments about people. These comments are so petty that no one will believe me unless they see her ugly side. Recently, she made hurtful remarks about our manager, who is on maternity leave. She suggested that a mother without family support would struggle to return to work and implied that she shouldn't come back because it is not possible to have a baby and be a manager. She also said that she does not want to give up her acting position, and if the maternity manager returns, she will have to watch her back.

Her behaviour has caused many conflicts among the lower-level staff, yet she seems to please the senior management. Whenever she starts speaking, I try to find an excuse to leave and avoid her.

This situation is impacting my growth mindset and causing me fear. She always talks down to me and treats me with disrespect. I want to quit, but I struggle to find time to job hunt between my studies.
I'm looking forward to the school holidays to begin my search for a new job.

Do you have any tips on how to ignore her?

[BlueLily]

Hi PokemonFan,

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear that you suffered a panic attack. Your workplace seems pretty toxic. 

I once had a toxic manager who was a hard worker but at the same time complaining about colleagues behind their back creating a very negative and toxic work place creating conflicts. When ever there was negative remarks from the manager I learnt to not contribute to the conversation and instead leave the room with an excuse. Overtime I learnt that trying to correct a person with such a personality is fruitless. At the same time I avoided talking bad about the manager among other colleagues too. But I did speak up when there was upper management present if there was anything I felt like I couldn't agree with. Hopefully this my past experience will give you some tips on how to remain unaffected.

 Eventually no matter how much I tried to stay away from the negativity it was impossible. I ended up changing jobs. So it's a good idea that you are planning to apply for other jobs. If you feel scared you can note down the comments manager make so in a situation where you are impacted you have some proof. 

You've recongnized when your manager was offending others and you refuse to accept them. So keep sticking to your growth mindset and not let her treatment get you down. 

Let us know how things go and don't hesitate to write back if you need more help. Take care..