Mondays, Work, Bosses, Bummer

Happy October! (I forgot to say this yesterday)

I got an e-mail from my boss on Friday that kind of bothered me all weekend. I don't think it's wise to send out e-mails like that on Friday afternoons, and I'll try to remember that when I'm a boss. I felt like my boss was too focused on finding something wrong with what I sent them, and missed the point of my original e-mail. So now this is going to create a few more e-mails back and forth to reexplain things, which I believe is wasteful.

This has gotten me thinking about all of the horrible interactions I had with my previous boss. I feel like giving some advice to those of you (us) that are struggling with our boss.

• Have clear expectations about hours - This is a little easier if you're paid by the hour, since most places won't want to pay unnecessary overtime. 
• If you're salaried, it's good to go over expected/minimum hours. This could change with the time of year or change with different projects. 

• Have clear expectations about work priorities. If your plate is filling up, e-mail/call your boss about what should be made the highest priority. Then, when stuff doesn't get done, you've covered your butt. 
• It sucks that we have to cover our butts, but that's the way the world works right now. 

• Have clear expectations on how often you meet. If your boss is at your physical location, it's easier than if they work at a corporate office or another location. 
• Make sure you're on time for those meetings!

• Share issues with teammates/work mates/colleagues early. It doesn't even have to be anything that is considered being a "tattletale". Bring up issues early before a bigger conflict develops. 

• Remember that "You work so you can live, you don't live so you can work." My friend's dad told me that a long time ago, and I've tried to remember it. 

• Remember that your boss has to report to a boss too. If lots of your coworkers are quitting, it could be a sign of a bad boss, so don't beat yourself up. 

I hope this wasn't too much of a wall of text. I hope you all have a great Monday and don't let your boss ruin your day. 

Signed,

Mitch