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My Boss Doesn't Like Me ...
March 29, 2016
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In this business, we are paid to perform and not to necessarily like who we work with. Bury your feeling and treat everyone the same regardless of how you might feel about them. It takes strategy and patience to work around someone you do not like. In the end, stay objective and stay in control by being in control of yourself.
The Boss Liked Me
I was involved in a situation where I was viewed as the good guy and my friend who did mornings was seen as the anti-Christ by the GM. His numbers were better than mine and yet he always got the short end of the stick. For example, I over-stayed my new guy hotel privileges for a month. The PD eventually told me I needed to find a place, but the GM actually defended me by saying "Sam has come in here and hit the ground running; he can stay a little longer if he has to." His words are etched in my memory.
The Boss Didn't Like The Morning Guy
On the other hand, the morning guy caught hell for subjective things that did not amount to anything; his sense of humor on-air, his hair, his show, any suggestions he made, and his food expenses during his new guy stay at the same hotel. Just in case you were wondering, he got to town a month before me.
Go Figure
The GM just did not like him. The morning guy and I figured that he must have reminded the GM of someone he did not like in the past. On the other hand, the GM would occasionally call me Steve and then correct himself. Apparently a good memory for the GM.
Oh Well...
Unfortunately, the PD who hired both of us was fired and a short time after the morning guy was demoted to overnight while the GM searched for a new programming whiz to lead the troops. Eventually when the GM realized he was not going to quit because of his demotion, he paid him the remainder of his contract, which had eight months left on it.
It was crazy and taught me a lesson I would see more of it during my career. Sometimes people just don't like you and there is nothing you can do but your job and hope for the best.
My thoughts on the subject were triggered by an air personality who told me about a problem he was having.
Jock: I have run into a problem with my PD.
Coach: What's going on?
Jock: The PD has been here three months and I like him, but I am starting to think the feeling is not the same on his part.
Coach: Why do you say that?
Jock: It's little stuff that is starting to add up. I found out he had a little gettogether over at his house and I was the only one not there. It accidently came up in conversation with the midday guy while we were talking about a ratings party coming up. He told me he was glad I was coming to this. I thought how he said it sounded strange and I asked him why he said what he said. That's when I found out I was not invited. The midday guy thought I had just not been able to make it.
Coach: Wow, that is not good. Anything else happen?
Jock: It got me to thinking, I recently got sent out on a general van hit with some prizes just before my shift and if I had gone all the way to the town he had sent me to, I would never would have made it back on time for my show. I mean, it was in the sticks. I just made a decision to turn back around. I got back just in time for my 6-10p shift.
Coach: That sounds a little strange; are you sure he knew where he sent you was too far?
Jock: I'm not sure, but things do feel strange.
Coach: Well, I would not confront him, but follow directions and don't waiver from anything he tells you to do. Keep track of all memos and e-mails he sends you.
Jock: How about the GM or HR?
Coach: Well you could go to either one or both, but what are you are going to say, "He does not like me?" Unless you can prove he singles you out unfairly at work or does something illegal, all you can do is your job to the best of your ability. Don't let anything rattle you and don't spread your thoughts to co-workers. You cannot make someone like you. Remember, the only thing you can prove is that he did not invite you to a party at his house; that is not work-related.
Jock: I really like it here and I am not sure what to do
Coach: I hate to tell you this, but there is nothing you can do. You cannot make someone like you. How do you get along with everyone else at the station ... any problems?
Jock: None that I'm aware of.
Coach: I suggest you quietly put out feelers for jobs elsewhere. Be mindful, but not fearful. If he wants you gone, eventually you will be. And above all, don't try and get even. He is still the boss.
In The End...
No one said life is fair.
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