Dealing with a whiney boss?

I have this boss that is really starting to anger me.

Every single day she complains to me about something I'm doing wrong... and its not just once it is about 2-3 times a day.

About 95% of the time I'm just in awe thinking to myself "seriously? you really had to speak up about something like that?"

Example... "You know your really starting to slack when it comes to how clean the coffee maker is" When it is just about spotless.

Or on days when I'm really busy she says I'm not doing anything. It kind of reminds me of lumberg on Office Space. "I've got the memo right here and the TPS reports don't go out until tomorrow so its not even a problem"... "Well the problem is now were putting cover sheets on the TPS reports, I'll make sure I get you another copy of the memo"

Really? did you hear nothing I just said?

How do you deal with a boss like that?

You should set an appointment to meet with your boss to discuss your concerns with her style of communications. By setting an appointment, this will allow you time to compose a mental (or written list) of concerns you have. It will also prevent you from getting into a defensive confrontation when she does "complain" to you.

Let her know that there were a few things that you were concerned about and want to have a touchbase about your performance. Let her know what you need as an employee to be motivated and to accomplish what you need to do in a timely manner. (i.e. if she is concerned that you aren't going to meet a deadline with a report that "needs to go out tomorrow", offer to update her at a certain time of the day on your status.) Would it help if her to know what you're working on by statusing in the morning to let her know what you want to accomplish that day and where you need her support, etc.,etc. With my team, I would do a quick five minute touchbase to find out what they are working on and if I thought something was more of a priority I would let them know. (This might help with her perception that you're "not doing anything".)

In the end you might find out that how you're feeling when she makes those comments were never her intentions. (Most of the time people don't stop to listen to what they sound like.)

If she values you, she will take the time to meet with you and hopefully change her communication style. Good bosses are open to upward feedback.

Hope this helps!!

Easy: Find a new job or accept it.

I've learned to look like I'm listening, but completely let it fly out the other ear. Try to not let them bother you. I ignore my boss' rants. Actually, i've been here a while (3+ years). I told him recently, when he apologized for complaining too much that day, I said that it's ok, I tuned you out an hour ago... He actually laughed. But, that's not the ideal way of doing it.

It gets to be a pain, but usually, there's something else there that's bothering your boss, not the coffee pot. Do what you have to do, the best you can do it, and nevermind the extra crap that they complain about.

Some people just like to hear themselves speak too!