Dear Anne
For the last 7 years I've worked for a new boss at my school. I've been there 23 years. This new one is a complete jackass. He is very vindictive and gets worse year by year. He picks a new person yearly to make their life hell and this year was mine. It affected me greatly and I tended to take it out on my family. How can I get this vindictive creep off my case? I avoid him as much as I can. He just lies in wait and man can he lie! He 's a pro. Missy
Dear Missy
I am sorry to hear that you are working for a man who comes across as temperamental rather than professional. It happens in all walks of life and as you say it can make your life hell. Unfortunately it's this very ability to manipulate which will give him advantages in the politics of education, which means you may be stuck with him for a while as he will probably have a good reputation in the area. That doesn't mean he's always right, though. You're allowed to know what you know and feel what you feel! And, politely, you're allowed to stand up for yourself if you think he's being unfair.
You don't say whether you're on the teaching or the administrative staff. In either case it helps to do two things within the organisation: firstly, by your sheer professionalism and dedication you can make allies within your department and raise your profile by taking on voluntary activities. Your LEA's subject advisor could be useful here. Being seen to do 'your job well will help to negate any negative impression of you. Secondly, if you are a teacher, could you talk confidentially to your head of department, year or faculty to ask their advice? Just complaining about someone doesn't really get you very far. It can be seen as backbiting or scandalmongering so it's useful to work out a strategy for getting what you want. It helps if you know what this is! Without concrete evidence and impartial observers, complaining to your union rep won't really help. If necessary, you could begin compiling a secret diary of events so that if you need to, you can involve a union or tribunal.
On the personal front, such attacks often undermine confidence. If you're a teacher it can be very useful to contact your union's stress helpline. The number will be listed in their quarterly magazine. Undertaking private counselling can boost your confidence, and by emailing admin@ita.org.uk or looking in Yellow Pages you can find a qualified counsellor in your area. In the meantime, why not begin making a list of all your good qualities and skills? Anyone who's survived 23 years in a school must be doing something right! And what about listing people who like you? Successes you've had, from your junior school ribbon for swimming a width of the baths up to your latest achievements?
You say that your boss picks on a different person every year. Looking on the bright side, perhaps this means his attacks on you will now cease or at least diminish. And as you build your confidence and raise your profile, you'll be in a better position to defend yourself anyway.
Last but not least, I hope that your job isn't your only or main source of validation. It's important to have a social life and interests to help put the stresses and pleasures of your job in perspective.
I wish you confidence and support. Good luck!
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