Advice, Career Arianna Schioldager Advice, Career Arianna Schioldager

6 Texts Responses to Your Boss That Are Too Passive Aggressive

Sounds great. 

 

I was feeling great, but then my mood changed. Happens all the time. And to the best of us. 

We get snippy. Grumpy. Hangry. Overwhelmed by emails and a lack of Vitamin D. We have long days and are short on sleep. All of these effect how we respond to certain situations. And sometimes we get a little too passive aggressive. Espeically over text, where we feel like we can get away with a little 'tude. 

#1 OK. or K. 

That period is so telling. So is the all caps. If you really do mean, Ok! then add an exclam or write it out: okay. It's so much more gentle that way. 

#2 The hard ask, followed by a smiley face.

We all know what that smiley face means. It's a big ole FU. Wink. 

#3 Sure.  

Here's the thing, everyone reads "sure" in a harsh tone. Even if it's meant playful and "sure, I'd love to do that." An unqualified "sure" is a surefire way to piss off whomever is on the receiving end. 

#4 Fine. 

Same as the above, especially when followed by a period. It's too short, curt, and doesn't exactly scream, "I'm on it!"

#5 That's not my job, but happy to pitch in. 

There are a lot of tasks we all take on that "aren't our job." Airing your grievances via text to your boss is not the way to address it. It's not professional. It's not mature. And most likely, it's going to get a smiley face FU in return. 

#6 The three dots (AKA an ellipses) followed by... nothing. 

Let's say you get a text from your boss on the weekend and it's urgent. You start to respond, she sees you responding ... she's waiting ... and then ... nothing. And nothing for hours. If it's urgent and she's texting you, for the love, please respond. If it becomes an issue or everything is "urgent" on the weekend, a larger talk is warranted. But know that she likely doesn't want to be sitting around waiting on you anymore than you want to be hearing from her. Text her back and move on. 

So how do you prevent yourself from snapping in a work environment? We've got a few tips for ya'll to put into practice.  

1. Stop visualizing the worst case scenario. 

Part of the reason we get stressed is because we're thinking doom and gloom. A pessimistic attitude is not about the present. Most often it's because we're borrowing negative emotions from the future and adding them to our present current mood. If you mess up with a client or blow it at work, don't imagine getting fired. That's only going to put you in a worse/stressed AF mood. Imagine taking responsibility for your actions and then doing just that. 

2. Realize it takes more energy to be angry. 

Getting mad at your job, your colleagues, your boss... totally normal. But holding onto grudges that lead to months of passive aggressive texting or emailing is incredibly counter-productive. Use that energy to come up with a plan where you can be HAPPY at work. It's a win-win for all. 

What's the most passive-aggressive text you've sent or received in a work context? Share below!

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Career, Advice Arianna Schioldager Career, Advice Arianna Schioldager

Sign Language: How to Deal with a Gemini Boss

Twin bosses! Twin problems! 

graphic credit: Chloe White 

Does your boss leave you to figure it out on your own? But then also, not…? Does she feel like a moving target that you can’t seem to hit? But wouldn't want to because she’s also the sweetest, most fun-loving boss you’ve ever had? Oh girl. Your boss must be a Gemini. 

The twin sign that is both quick-witted and sociable but can switch on a dime to her more serious side. For a worker bee, it’s hard to know which boss you’re going to get come Monday (or any day) morning, so we’re breaking down a couple ways to deal. 

Date range: May 22-June 21

Element: Air 

Lucky Numbers: 5 - 14 - 15 - 18 - 26 - 31

Strengths: Enthusiastic, witty, intellectual, great communicator 

Weaknesses: Lack of consistency, superficial, anxious, lack of decision making 

The best part of a Gemini is that she is considered the best at seeing both sides of the situation. Highly-intelligent and communicative, she is ruled by the motto “I communicate,” which means she is going to want to talk things out. She is ruled by logic, but since she is able to see both sides, she can also argue both sides. When people say don’t fight with a Gemini, you’ll lose— they’re often right. In the workplace this can be hard. 

The safest way out of a disagreement is to use the fact that “the twins” of the Gemini sign are never idle. Use this to your advantage and don’t expect to take up too much time belaboring one issue. When talking to your boss, know what you want to say, present it, and move on. You’ll both be in a better headspace. 

Ruled by Mercury, the Gemini boss has a first rate mind with unique and original ideas— probably what landed her in the boss seat. However, a fast mind often leads to an “on-to-the-next” approach. She can get bored if she’s not being WOW’d and needs to be challenged. If you see her eyes glazing over during a presentation, chances are you’ve lost her. This can feel like a blessing and a curse. Use this trait to you're advantage and present out-of-the-box ideas. We bet she’d be willing to take a risk on an idea you think is too out there. She’s a little impulsive. Not always great when it comes to feedback… but more fun when it comes to saying ‘yes.’ 

A little wild in the working world can be difficult. Inconsistency is part of her nature, so if she loves an idea one moment and hates it the next, don’t feel discouraged. Find a way to update it. Expand it. What she’s doing is challenging you to make it better. So you always need to be game. Don’t get too attached to one idea, because it may very well not play. 

The Gemini boss can get a little restless, so you need to keep her in the loop on what you’re doing. It may feel like overkill to always be sending updates, but it’s a way to give her peace of mind and also keep her off your back. The best way to avoid feeling micromanaged is to stay one foot ahead of the email. Quick bullet-point updates at the end of the day are a good way to let her know, you’re on top of your tasks.

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