(no subject)

[gilana]

My office manager is driving me batty. She keeps making policies based on her misunderstandings of simple technical things, without checking with anyone. First it was naming conventions for our files; she originally said filenames couldn't have spaces, because the server is a PC. When I pointed out that we already have hundreds of files on there with spaces in them that work just fine, she eventually changed that policy. Then when I found information on file naming limitations for our server for her, she couldn't understand why & was not listed as one of the restricted characters; apparently she had tried to upload a file with an ampersand in it and had some trouble. I made a folder called "x&x", and copied it to the server while she watched, and she was forced to admit that it might just possibly have been something else that caused the problem.

This morning, I came in to find a note that says that when we print out FedEx slips online, we should only print one, and then use the copier to make another for our records. Because FedEx charges for each slip we print, says the note.

I'd really like to know a) how they magically know how many copies of a web page we print out and b) how they've managed to avoid being sued to charging for services not used if that's the case. It just doesn't make any *sense* -- but no one but me seems to question these things. I don't want to be the one who's always telling her she's wrong, especially because I'm not so good at doing that without implying "you moron". So I'm reduced to muttering under my breath and just going about things my own way... I have a nasty feeling this is going to blow up on me eventually, but I just can't do things the hard way for no reason.

Comments

[sweetmmeblue.livejournal.com]

I understand. I had that with my last job.

My current boss takes the approach of "playing stupid". She asks the question of the other person to get them thinking but she does it in a Columbo (ala Peter Flak) sort of head scratching way. "I'm confused by foo. Could you help me understand why (or how ior whatever)....?"

It's amazing the effect it has. And she manages to do it without sounding patronizing. I'm so trying to cultivate this. :)

[lillibet.livejournal.com]

Could you try something like "Oh--I fixed that thing for you. I know you were worried about it, so I changed the settings."

[muffyjo]

LOL! You know, I bet I could do her job! maybe I should see if the position will be open soon? ;)

[laurens10.livejournal.com]

That trully is incredible. Wow.

[queendeb.livejournal.com]

keerayzay freakin bosses.