Did my supervisor not understand me? or is she clueless?

[Bluesky00]

Awhile back, I asked my supervisor a specific question. I asked her if I needed to stamp a certain folder, she replied, “yeah, it’s u-hold folder.” Okay, I went ahead and stamped the folder. She came back minutes later, and said,”I think you misunderstood me, you’re not suppose to stamp it.” I’m like wth? She just told me “yeah.” I took that as a yes, I’m suppose to stamp it. Does she not understand the English language? Then she asked me that I misunderstood her? I just want to know did I not ask the question right or something? 

[d0nnivain]

what is a u hold folder?  What stamp were you affixing to it?   I think you have to understand the reason behind the stamp.  If you know why something gets stamped it may be easier for you to determine what has to be stamped. 

I think you may have misunderstood her because she wasn't clear.  When she said "yeah" that was a verbal filler word that she uttered while stalling for time to respond.  She didn't truly mean yes or affirmative.  So now that you know she uses language casually next time you can politely restate her answers to you in your own words for verbal verification.  

[Bluesky00]

It’s something that we do to certain documents. I asked her do I need to stamp this? She replied “yeah” it’s a so and so folder. Yeah, means yes. 

She didn’t say no. 

She should have said, “NO, it’s a so and so folder.” And SHE should have explained it to me better. She’s a supervisor for crying out loud. 

So if a guy asked me if I wanted to have sex with him and I didn’t want to have sex with him, I should reply, “yeah?” When I really mean no? 

Wait, so a yeah means no? Man, I have to be careful now, I don’t want to get date raped.. lol

Edited June 29, 2020 by Bluesky00

[d0nnivain]

Again, I said she used casually like a verbal filler  think like, um & uh. . .some folks use yeah.  Now that you know this about her take it under advisement when you speak to her in the future. 

I am not saying she was right to speak so vaguely & inconsistently I'm just explaining to you why it got garbled.  

[Bluesky00]

Yes, I think she mumbles most of the time when I ask her a question, sometimes I don’t like asking her because she looks annoyed, but yeah next time if I have no choice but to ask her I’m going to have to get verification and be clear. 

 

[preraph]

Kind of sounds like a miscommunication, doesn't it?  I think maybe she's assuming you know, as Donnivain said, the purpose of the folder and that it is self-explanatory, but she should still be more direct about it.  Maybe you could ask some other employee?

[LuckyM]

She meant to say no and won't admit it to you. It's just a little issue but next time reiterate what she says. Yeah means yes. Depending on the tone of voice is important

[Bluesky00]

Last time she and her boss was going through details of my furlough 2 months ago over the phone, her boss was the one explaining to me mostly and I just was “clarifying” “verifying” what she said to be sure I got the correct info. Later one of the other supervisors (I’m not under him) called me and said that my supervisor told him that i “sounded confused” she probably thought that since I kept verifying things that her boss told me over the phone. I’m like wth? It’s like now she thinks that if I were to ask her something and kept verifying it, she thinks that “I’m confused.” Well maybe if she knew how to explain procedures and had effective communication skills I wouldn’t be asking following up questions after that one fluke! Geez. 

I guess I could ask one of the supervisors next time I have a question. He explains things ALOT better and is clear on what he saids.

Edited June 29, 2020 by Bluesky00

[basil67]

6 hours ago, Bluesky00 said:

She should have said, “NO, it’s a so and so folder.” And SHE should have explained it to me better. She’s a supervisor for crying out loud. 

So if a guy asked me if I wanted to have sex with him and I didn’t want to have sex with him, I should reply, “yeah?” When I really mean no? 

Wait, so a yeah means no? Man, I have to be careful now, I don’t want to get date raped.. lol

Bluesky00 this comparison of a folder misunderstanding as being similar to date rape is nothing short of ridiculous.  And the lol doesn't make it funny - especially to those who've been raped.

 

Edited June 29, 2020 by basil67

[introverted1]

You mention two instances of miscommunication here, and in your other thread, you say you were the last person called back after the furlough.  It would seem from this that there is a fundamental disconnect between you and your supervisor (and possibly other management).  Rather than getting fixated on whether your supervisor's "yeah" was literal or not (it's clear at this point that it wasn't), you'd be better off learning about the various stamps and folders and overall how to do your job efficiently. Or, if you think the outcome is doomed regardless, start looking for another job.  

[BaileyB]

Your example is really just a simple miscommunication. It could have easily been resolved by asking for clarification. Should your supervisor have given you a clear, straight answer - of course. But, if you are unclear about what is required of you, it is your job to figure that out, not hers. That’s the way it works in the working world... not all bosses are good bosses, you still have to find a way to work with them if you want to stay employed. Good luck. 

Edited July 6, 2020 by BaileyB

[Bluesky00]

On 7/6/2020 at 8:36 AM, BaileyB said:

Your example is really just a simple miscommunication. It could have easily been resolved by asking for clarification. Should your supervisor have given you a clear, straight answer - of course. But, if you are unclear about what is required of you, it is your job to figure that out, not hers. That’s the way it works in the working world... not all bosses are good bosses, you still have to find a way to work with them if you want to stay employed. Good luck. 

Sure I can Clarify all I want but she needs to work on her communication skills. Or lack there of. She clearly told me yeah, then she came back and told me no. 

Yeah.

No.

2 different meanings of the English language 

[basil67]

Bluesku00, I say this in the kindest possible way - save your anger for the important things in life.  A folder is not worth getting yourself upset over.  

Breathe in and out..and let it go.   You will be happier and less stressed if you learn how.

[Pumaza]

So she always do this?Is there a other leader you can ask stuff?
Or when you ask her stuff, verify again with a other question.

Of its not something she often do,no need to be worried. But of its kinda her way of acting you can use this or in a assertive way tell her you notoced that,if she could be more clear. If she a manager of a busy company can be thst she sometimes busy in her head.But it shouldnt be alwaaaays same changing opinion of her.

Like : Jenny ,do i have to trowTHE YELLOW PAGES  away?

Her:Yeah

you: Ok so the yellow pages can be trowed away?!

She probably will rethink and say yes again or no.

Then you do the task.

So say her name loud and clear.

And specify short way what you asking about.Maybe if its something you can show her while asking,do it.

And repeat the conclusion of her answer in a deferent way.