manager snapping and generally being rude. Stay or go?

[sy]

Hi

I have been in this job now for 2 months. In my interview, I decided there and then that I did not want to work there - there was no warmth or friendliness in the interview but lo and behold I got the job and I took it, not because I was desperate as I had only been looking for 2 days, got an interview straight away and got the job but because I was worried about the job market after my redundancy. Anyway, I went into my job with a positive attitude and the first month was good, I was constantly told by my manager that she enjoyed working with me and other colleagues said I had made a positive change to the office from my first week. However, in the past month, my manager has become incredible snappy for no giving reason, she does tell me what a wonderful job I am doing but in the same breath would snap at me. I am not taking it persona
l as she does it to everyone but as I have the closest interaction with her I guess I get it the most.  I am not in the slightest bit a wallflower and if she snaps back then I will tell exactly what I feel about what she has said especially if it is wrong or unacceptable. However, it has gotten to the point where I dread going to work and I have started to hate the job. The annoying thing is that when she is nice, she is a sweetheart but then she can quickly have a terrible mood swing and everyone stays out of her way. Since she has worked in the organisation (18 months ago) she has had over 7 PAs, some were temps but a few were permanent staff who left quickly and now I understand why.

What are your thoughts please. Is this normal for a manager to have mood swings and for a PA to just roll with the punches?

[JessW]

Sy

Been it and seen it!  I know what you mean (I am also getting similar problems related to me from former colleagues).
Normal?  Well ... cannot possibly say, however have you asked yourself why snappy (on any particular day or moment) then happy?  There could be things going on (either personal or professional) that could have absolutely nothing to do with you/your colleagues etc.  There is no knowing about those things and nothing to do but go with the flow!

I had a boss who treated me like dirt for about 5 months (it turned out his relationship with his partner was on sticky grounds and I was bearing the brunt of it!).  The guy later on 'came round' and our working relationship improved, but he never did explain or apologise - I never expected an apology, and was therefore not disappointed.

Have you spoken to any of her longer-standing colleagues to find out what the story is?  It may be revealing, and could put your mind at rest!  Worth a try at least!

Just my initial thoughts though, so please feel free to ignore them if they are irrelevant!

Jess de Lyon!

[msmarieh]

It actually should have been addressed the very first time it happened, as unfortunately a precendent has been set to allow the behavior to continue. Like you, I am no wallflower. I would call her out on her behavior (in private).

How you phrase yourself when you comment back on her tone is critical. You may be inadvertently escalating the situation. I would sit with her in a private calm moment and discuss it using the "when you do this (give specifics like raise your voice or use these words), I feel (again give specifics). This makes for an uncomfortable situation. I would like to improve our working relationship."

However, the truth of the matter is, some bosses are just psycho bosses. At this point, as short as this employment has been, it might be worth it to cut your losses and look for another job. No one should be disrespected on the job.

[peaches2160]

Had a similar situation with a male VP direct report of my boss.  I could tell there was more to his frustration and he was taking it ut on me.  I let him know I will not tolerate it.  He has been like a different person ever since.