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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Manager thinks we're her personal assistants

6 replies

Hooploop · 31/07/2023 21:17

Manager on my team (who incidentally isn't a very nice person) constantly makes out she doesn't know how to do basic things at work, like using very basic software, fixing simple IT issues, using the expenses system etc. But basically she can't be bothered to read the instructions, or simply just wants people to do 'admin' things for her as she feels the tasks are beneath her or she has more important things to do.

It's every single day. It's getting on my teams' nerves and wasting our time. Today she tried to get me to book train tickets for her, and even though I gave excuses, she called me and made me sit on the phone with her for 30 minutes, talking her through the booking system. Which she has certainly used before many times.

How can we make this behaviour stop? She has two kids so she almost certainly has the capacity to navigate basic life admin. Sometimes I wonder if she's just very needy. But funnily enough, when very senior managers are around she's suddenly playing the most capable person in the room...!

OP posts:
Tatzelwyrm · 31/07/2023 21:22

Book the wrong things for her
Fill Out the forms wrong
Give her wrong instructions

BrightLightTonight · 31/07/2023 21:27

If she is your manager and responsible for the work you do, then just do as she asks. If your real job is impacted then that is down to her

ShirleyPhallus · 31/07/2023 21:32

BrightLightTonight · 31/07/2023 21:27

If she is your manager and responsible for the work you do, then just do as she asks. If your real job is impacted then that is down to her

No, that’s not right at all, you’ve been employed to do a job. Your manager asking you to do petty admin for them does not override the need for that job.

Id say each time “sorry, I don’t have time to help you on that, I have to get XYZ done. Could you ask the admin assistant / office manager to help?” If she is arsey about it id pull her in to a meeting room and say that the ongoing small tasks are distracting you from your actual job

Stompythedinosaur · 31/07/2023 21:36

I'd keep a record of the things she is asking you to do that are unprofessional e.g. arranging her train tickets (assuming these aren't for work).

Feint ignorance of how to fix IT issues.

Ask her to confirm in writing via email that she wants you to prioritise helping with her expenses above your usual work.

Ask HR to confirm that these tasks are within your job role.

Jibo · 31/07/2023 21:39

What are your actual jobs meant to be?

FoodFann · 31/07/2023 21:56

You call a meeting wth HR and point out how these life-admin tasks are interfering with your career, and she is preventing you from progressing/achieving etc

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