TOT Taming Tips: The Fall Rush is On!

Dear Lynn,
The last two weeks of August were great. Everyone was on vacation and I got a lot done. This is the first time I could even do much of anything outside of work. There’s been a one crisis after another following Labor Day. I hardly recognize the boss I knew in early August. Fall is here! Any ideas you can offer?
–Fall-ing!

Dear Fall-ing,
Yes…it’s Back to School, Back to Work, and often Back to Chaos in the fall – especially if you’re surrounded by TOTs (Terrible Office Tyrants)™! If you feel like you’re stuck in “TOT soup” right now, you’re not alone! There’s often pressure from the top under normal circumstances to make up for lost ground over the lazy days of summer – which can spread through the office like wildfire. But with an uncertain economy, you may have much more on your plate than you expected.

This is an opportune time to deploy TOT taming skills! The boss you knew in August is still the same person, but is just showing that TOT façade! So first look at the situation from a humanistic, broader perspective. That said, don’t allow yourself to be swallowed up by the current tornado. As you would with a small child or human being who is placing unreasonable demands on you, take back control. More specifically, take the initiative to get agreement with your boss on project priorities, including exact deadlines. Make special efforts now to communicate regularly, on a planned basis if possible – but be concise. Also, make sure you have thought out solutions to problems – before merely presenting issues to a frazzled boss!

Finally, remember that everyone can use a calm voice of reason during this period. You can’t control the economy or the pinch of ever-growing projects. But your actions and demeanor can remind others that now is the time to be focused and strategic. Soon, you’ll likely feel much more in the driver’s seat – and maybe even serve as a role model to some of the TOTs on board!

Best regards,

Lynn

Got a TOT? You’re not alone! Dare to share your story at the TOT Blog with other TOT tamers in the making, while Lynn helps you: cope with difficult or childish bosses and office politics, and humanize your workplace™. Post your question for Lynn, and she will try her best to answer it in an upcoming TOT Tamer Advice Column. Be sure to visit the Tame Your TOT site.