ASK HR: This manager treats me as if I am his errand boy

Most managers confuse their personal assistants with an errand person. It is a very precarious situation since the manner in which the employee handles this situation could backfire. PHOTO | FILE | FOTOSEARCH

What you need to know:

  • Most managers confuse their personal assistants with an errand person. It is a very precarious situation since the manner in which you handle this situation could backfire on you especially if your role is not clear.
  • Also, managers have different personalities and expectations, and for your benefit, you must understand each and avoid comparing them.

I am a personal assistant – I serve six managers in the department I work for. Five of them are a delight to work for, they are respectful, mindful of my working hours and are professional at all times. One of them however treats me as if I am his help. He orders me around, and even worse, asks me to do personal things that he should do himself, such as calling his children’s school, his wife, and sometimes sending shopping to his home using the company car. I feel misused. How do you handle such a boss?

 

Do you understand the requirements of your role? This is important so that as you set about resolving this matter, you can dwell on the bad treatment, rather than the responsibilities this boss assigns you. The challenge you are facing is not unique, and happens in many organisations due to the limited human resources allowed for each role. Most often, employees do not have a role profile for the job they hold until there is conflict. In your case, you require to draft a role profile with the guidance of your managers and HR. This way, your responsibilities will be well outlined, hence clear.

Most managers confuse their personal assistants with an errand person. It is a very precarious situation since the manner in which you handle this situation could backfire on you especially if your role is not clear.

I suggest that you take this up with this particular manager and let him know that you are not comfortable using company resources for his personal errands since you could get into trouble over it. On working hours, agree on flexi timing that is suitable to both of you. If this does not yield any positive results, escalate the matter to the HR department, which should assist you.

Managers have different personalities and expectations, and for your benefit, you must understand each and avoid comparing them. In all situations you must always look at the positive side, this ensures that you have a balanced outlook. It however seems this manager is taking advantage of you. It is time you stood up for yourself and politely decline some responsibilities firmly but respectfully, otherwise you will be swamped with demands that you cannot fulfil. You spend a lot of time at the workplace, therefore you must make it enjoyable and worth your time and your employer’s as well.

When all is said and done, you make the ultimate decision on whether you will continue in the same role, or you will seek an alternative position within the same organisation or elsewhere.