One Criticism At A Time

Well the dramas at worked haven't stopped, but I'm trying to approach it differently. I've worked out that overnight my boss went from being a trusted friend to being a power-hungry, angry, controlling bi-yatch. Given that she's been sending abusive emails to all the staff on her days off, I don't think it's something that's going to change anytime soon.

I've started taking each of her criticisms (translation: her attempts to get her staff to quit) on the chin and do my best to conform to her way of doing things. I'm not overly fussed on it. She seems to have created more admin work and reduced the number of patients we can see, but it is her office so that's her call. I'm also struggling with the way that she has started addressing staff (there's a lot of yelling, patronising and talking down - think very unprofessional) but I'm trying my best to adjust. I keep telling myself that this is her way of trying to fix the fact that she is drowing in a position she's not qualified or trained for, and that with some more time she'll work it out. I'm not entirely sure I believe that but I really want to think that she can once again be the nice person she used to be. The most challenging part is that her attitude towards the staff is making it nearly impossible for anyone to get anything done. She's also checking up on us, criticising, questioning our professional knowledge (big no no!) and interfering in our routines. I don't think she's worked out yet that a good manager manages in such a way that the staff will get the work done whether they are there or not. She seems to think we'll achieve more if she constantly criticises. Interesting theory, can't wait to see how it turns out.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say (rather inarticulately) is that I'm learning to cope, one criticism at a time. I've started walking away after she does it, taking a few hours to respond, so that it's not an impulsive response. I've noticed that I've started eating more this last couple of days and have no motivation to exercise. At a guess it's a result of the stress that's being created in my life. Luckily though I've identified it pretty early on so hopefully it's something I can get on top of.

Three more days to recover before I have to go back. I'm just going to try and chill out as best I can so I'm at least moderately relaxed when I face up to it for another week. :)