Problems with a Previous Boss
“Tell me about a boss you didn’t get along with.”
■“Unfortunately, I did have a problem with my boss and
my being assertive in one of my jobs. He was in the habit
of talking loudly when he took personal calls, and he
sometimes used inappropriate language for the office.
Because he was the boss, most of the employees just
tried to turn a deaf ear. But one day I happened to be in
his office, and we were discussing morale. I took the
opportunity to tell him that I had a problem with his
personal calls and language. He was really taken aback
both that I had brought it up and that anyone was
offended by what he was saying. He knew he was in
the wrong and changed his behavior after that.”
■“My boss and I have very different personalities, and
we recognize that. There have been some times when
we didn’t agree, but agreed to disagree. It wasn’t that I
challenged him. It was that I sometimes saw an easier
solution to a problem. I think we actually enjoyed our
‘sparring’ times. One thing I can tell you, and he would
tell you as well, is that we always treated each other
as professionals and respected each other’s point of
view.”
■“There are some problems that just can’t get worked
out. I always try everything possible, but part of knowing
when to give up is a matter of skill and judgment. My
current boss and I just don’t seem to mesh. He didn’t
select me as his administrative assistant. He inherited
me as the result of a reorganization. I think he would have
chosen a less assertive person who wasn’t as indepen-
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