I work in customer service as a chat agent, meaning I take text chats and emails. This Labor Day my boss was looking for volunteers and I was open and gave the hours I could work. My boss offered to schedule me to take phone calls. I haven’t taken phone calls in years and would rather not. How do I say no politely when my boss knows I’m available?
Is it just that you don’t like being on the front lines in the direct line of attack from humans one at a time over the phone, or do you prefer to annoy multiple people simultaneously as a chat agent when you are pretending to be solely focused on me — er, I mean one individual — when you are really frustrating numerous people via chat at the same time?
OK, OK, but am I right?
You were great to volunteer to help out your boss over a holiday, and if he needs you on the phones, you can say that you would really prefer to work on the chat line.
If he only needs you on the phones, well, I love a pitch in, roll your sleeves up, I’ll do whatever to help at a time of need type of mentality — and I am sure your boss would, too.
I’m in a new job and have a young 24-year-old female boss who is also new at her job. All she does is complain and nitpick little things. Should I tell her that it’s more motivating to give positive reinforcement? Or will that make things worse?
Forgive me, but this sounds a lot like the stereotypes of how some guys complain about the women in their personal lives, too.
For a start, I’m not sure the fact that this person is your “female boss” is relevant. More relevant would be the amount of experience a 24-year-old has in management and knowledge about how to motivate people. That’s a legit potential cause of the behavior.
Nobody — whether a boss or otherwise — can improve their workplace skills unless they receive feedback. So look for the appropriate time and place for that discussion and explain how you get motivated to do your best work, rather than complain about her style.
Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg Wed. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. Email: GoToGreg@NYPost.com. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @GregGiangrande