Managing Sticky Situations at Work

Sticky Situations with Your Boss 317. You have to have thick skin to work for me.Less True 1 2 3 4 5 More True8. Most of what I do is fix other people’s mistakes.Less True 1 2 3 4 5 More TrueScore yourself in Appendix 1STICKY SITUATION #1:‘‘CAN’T YOU DO ANYTHING RIGHT?’’Peter works for Angie. He knew when he went into the departmentthat Angie had a reputation as a difficult boss. Everyonewho has worked for her either left the company or transferred toanother division after less than a year. Angie runs the graphicsdepartment in a large advertising agency. She uses intimidationas her style of management. Peter graduated from a prestigiousuniversity with an MFA. He’s always felt comfortable about hisskill as an artist and as a creative designer. Working for Angie,however, has shattered his confidence because he can’t seem to satisfyher.Today, Peter put the finishing touches on the design for a clientwith whom he has an excellent relationship. He’s met endlesslywith the client and his VP for marketing to get a clear understandingof what they want. The deadline for submitting a conceptto the client is tomorrow. Peter braces himself because heknows he needs Angie’s okay. He knocks on her door frame.‘‘For heaven’s sakes, you don’t have to knock. The door is open.Just come in,’’ she says. She shifts the papers she has in front ofher to one side and moves her reading glasses to the top of herhead. ‘‘So, what is it?’’‘‘I’ve got the design ready for the Marcus account to presenttomorrow.’’‘‘Just drop it there.’’ She points to a box on her desk. ‘‘I’ll let youknow what I think later.’’ She returns to the papers on her desk.Peter recognizes this as a dismissal.Later, at his cubicle alongside his co-workers, Peter sees Angieapproaching. Her deep frown and pinched lips portend trouble.Peter’s heartbeat quickens.