How do you deal with a boss like this?

Question

We have an accounting system that has more than one way of reporting the same data. My team and I use the data one way and another team uses the data another way. The Director of the other team is constantly asking questions about what the data means when they pull it the way they do. I tried on many, many, many occasions to accommodate her but the conversation ends up lasting several hours and sometimes days. Sometimes she'll come back next week or next month, with the same exact questions. I've told her on those many occasions that "My team and I don't use the data the same way you do so I can't intelligently articulate to you how to use what you're seeing" but that doesn't seem to work. The end result it that my day is completely SHOT and I'm truly infuriated when I see her go home at her designated time and I'm working late to finish up tasks that I should have been working on when having futile conversations with her. I don't want to be rude and I'm trying my best to respect her position and even though she's not my boss, she is a boss. How can I prevent her from taking up my time with questions that I can't/don't want to answer without being rude or insubordinate. Trying to answer her questions doesn't work, telling her I don't know doesn't work - my patience is wearing thin. By the time I get off work, I'm mentally drained, tired and stressed from dealing with someone who is not my boss.

Answer 1

Perhaps the vendor of the accounting system, or someone who is very familiar with it, can update it so it's compatible with both departments' users. Maybe their screens and reports can be reprogrammed to display the data they're interested in, simply and directly.



This is a higher-level issue. You've done your utmost to help, to the detriment of your own work. Lay the problem before your own boss. Try not to disparage the other lady -- she's probably just as frustrated as you are.



She can be the main person to work with the programmers, in order to obtain a format she can use. I do think you should be in the loop, though, so the new programs don't destroy the software your team is using successfully.

Answer 2

If this boss is getting in your way of getting your work done, then you have to get her out of your way as soon as possible.



I understand that you need to be as polite as possible because she really is one of the bosses and it doesn't reflect well if you are rude, However, It doesn't reflect well on you if you are lagging, no matter who or what is getting ur work done on time.



You have some options. Make sure you have a name of (someone who is leader on team B) for the boss. When approached, say you need to speak to Karen Hartly, she will have all the answers you need. If she insists, say your best bet is to go straight to the source for all those questions, as i'm not a part of that team



Or



Take the boss over to Karen Hartly, tell her Karen Hartly, good morning this is so and so, she has a few questions about your data. Would you be so kind to speak with her. Karen is not going to say no in front of the boss. So, there you go.



Or



You can be politely forward with her. Tell her, I know the data format is difficult to understand (say that so you don't insult her intelligence) can we set up a time to meet so we can go over this? I'm pressed for time as of now and I really need to get this work done. Is this ok?



Or



You can go to your boss and nicely explain that so and so is having a really hard time understanding the data format. I explained my best to help her out but its still difficult. Could you have perhaps Karen Hartly explain, as it is her team. I know how important it is to get this work done in a timely fashion.

see what your boss says.

Answer 3

Are you the Director of your team? If not, speak to your director about your concerns - explain that you are regularly behind because the other Director takes up all of your time with questions - and see whether they are able to intervene. The next time the other Director approaches you for help, point her in the direction of your Director and say that they are the best person to offer assistance.



If you are the Director of your team, you might need to go to your manager. Explain the issue - that this other Director repeatedly takes up your time with the same questions - and you were wondering whether there is a way for this issue to be resolved. If the accounting system really is that difficult to understand, it might need to be changed so that everyone involved can understand the data. Your manager cannot do anything if they are unaware that there are any problems.

Answer 4

You can't. She's a boss, and you answer for your own work.



If she can't get an answer from you, she'll get it from someone who can give it to her.



Your patience may be wearing thin, but she's the one who has control over who stays and who goes.

In business, ALL bosses are YOUR boss.



You need a wakeup call .... or a new place to work.

Answer 5

Given this woman is impacting on your own work day, it is essential you re-set the boundaries so you do not engage in what seems to be a repeated conversation. Firmly, but without aggression, tell your co-worker you can no longer discuss the data outcome with her because you are limited in your knowledge of the way she and her team use the data, so she needs to direct her questions to someone else. Emphasize you have other workplace responsibilities that require your attention and ultimately, for both you and see to be productive, she needs to speak with someone else. Reiterate you will not discuss this situation with her again, set that tone and stay true to your word. If she continues to approach you, speak directly with your Manager/Supervisor and explain the situation. You are not responsible for this woman, her team or their data usage.

Answer 6

You need to document your conversations, what is said/asked, date, time, duration and go talk to YOUR boss about it. Tell your boss that you are at the end of your rope and out of ideas of how to help her and you are tired of staying late to catch up because of the time wasted having to repeat information to her that you have previously gone over and over, it isn't fair to you and make sure you make that clear to your boss. Perhaps you can refer this person to your boss from now on. Maybe this person who is in management that you keep having to explain your data too, shouldn't be in management she is only human and perhaps she isn't in the best position.

Answer 7

Talk to your boss and explain what is happening.

Answer 8

just tell her you need to finish up your work