February 16, 2008

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  My current boss takes my former boss’ position for more than a year.  He used to dislike my former boss so intensively that the dislikeness was extended to me; he did not even talk to me when we went to meetings because perhaps he saw me as “an appendage” of my former boss.   When we were working on a project I felt like being between a hard place and a rock.  Vietnamese say when the ox and the bull lock horns, the mosquitos get squashed.  I was that mosquito.  I actually felt at times I was like a ping pong, to be hit by both sides.

   

  Then, I had thought that he was rough and uncommunicative.  I did not and do not know what he has thought of me; but I could guess that it was not so sweet.  When he took my boss’ position, I thought it would be a rough ride for me and my career.  People who worked for him for a long time always said “he is a teddy bear,” the image of love, cuddly and sweet.  I do not know how true it could and would be but I am sure that he is a very competent person.  That is an utmost comfort to have a leader like that.  However, the longer I work for him, the nicer he becomes.  He does not say anything flattering or give pretentious praises, but he does not put down or belittle me or show any hints of being insecure or distrust.  I am very fortunate with that.  At this point he is the best boss I ever had.

   

  I work on a new project in which my boss brings in a female project manager of an engineering consulting firm.  I become a laison for my boss and the consultant.  V. is confident, very well dressed, speaks with an accent or European, but she is not very familiar with my company’s procedure.  When I requested V. to do certain work or to follow certain procedures, she refused and somewhat slighted me.  That kind of attitudes happened to me from time to time, especially when consultants are new.  Men do that often, and it is kind of amusing to see a woman can treat another woman like that too.  I try not to be unkind or judgmental.  I thinks V. is new to her position.  In the meeting she speaks confidently but refers to us as “you guys” maybe trying to establish her footing as being equal to my boss.  I keep my professional attitude, being polite, and focusing on my tasks.  I do not feel that I have to compete for power or prestige or whatever it is. 

   

  In the last Friday meeting, V. had to deal with certain technical questions.  She was feeling overwhelmed and the questions were not within my technical field, I asked her if she wanted to ask my boss for help.  She said no because she had dealt with him when he was upset, and she did not want to talk to him for this matter.  Now she prefers to deal with me and thanks me for being patient.  Also I saw for the first time he got annoyed with a Construction Manager and a Contract Specialist.  Oh Boy!  No wonder V. fears him.  For over a year, I never see him to get upset with me or any people in my department. 

   

   

  • 6:34 pm
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