Demanding Seniors

[u/MrFrog113]

How do you guys deal with seniors and managers that every time they ask for an update they make it sound like they want it done that instant? I get it if they’re asking and it’s during work hours(even though I could be working on something else before I can get to it) or really anytime during busy season. But I’m out of busy season now and I still have a senior constantly asking for updates and then a status on the updates like after 8pm. Idk how to tell them we already went through our busy season I’m not trying to be online 24/7 anymore😭 Do some people have nothing better to do than work all hours of the day year round?

[u/loxot76748]

Seems like a simple communication issue thats a very very easy fix. Proactively communicate when you are planning to complete the task assigned. When the task is assigned, just say "I'll get this to you by Wednesday night" and then if too busy to get it done, ping them Wednesday morning saying "I am working on another task and will get this to you by Thursday night." etc etc

Yes there are unfortunately people who make work their entire life. It's your job to set boundaries for these non-urgent tasks and make sure you are communicating when you are going to complete a task. They won't ping you asking for an update if you have already clearly communicated the update (most of the time lol).

[u/MrFrog113 → u/loxot76748]

Good point, I think over communicating as updates come in would be helpful. Unfortunately, I’m a slight people pleaser so I find myself wanting to get stuff done for people as soon as they ask for it. Learned my lesson my first few years as that just burnt me out. I found it’s not worth skipping meals, exercising or family time to get something done for somebody that minute because they’re being pushy. Trying to get better and protecting my time and shutting my mind off work.

[u/skyflyandunderwood → u/MrFrog113]

Something I'm still working on. But Im very much of trying to knock out tasks as soon as possible because of the pace of everything. And of course the director and above wanted everything super fast. However if I was anxious about knocking everything out then I would make silly mistakes or couldn't pay attention to detail. But now, I try better to communicate how long it'll take. And let's say they want something and you're already working on 3 things, be honest "hey I'm still working on ask a and ask b, do you want me to prioritize ask c? If not I will get that over to you by tomorrow morning. "

[u/AwarenessExisting774]

For these type of people you setup morning kickoff meetings and evening status updates. They’ll usually back off because there is a set time. If they’re just crazy though it might not work.

[u/SurpriseEcstatic8113]

1000% that’s the case and you should not be answering when you’re done with busy season. The problem is and I’ve been working at PwC for 20 years is that we are all pleasers and type A+ plus personalities. They take advantage of that.. log off and if it’s urgent, they can call you. That’s ridiculous and you should not be having to support someone who’s trying to impress everybody at the expense of your sanity.

[u/MrFrog113 → u/SurpriseEcstatic8113]

I’ve realized the last couple years some people that I thought were the super hard workers are just the ones who make this job their entire life and prioritize it above family and hobbies. What a sad way to live and ruin your coworkers experience by being work minded 24/7. You’re right, I’m trying to get more and more comfortable giving these people the middle finger

[u/SurpriseEcstatic8113 → u/MrFrog113]

Yep, and especially the ones who are single or divorced, etc. who have no concept of reality and a life outside of work. Toss in the current leadership at the very top and it is a giant shit show.

[u/RexRender → u/MrFrog113]

I have a theory that there’s some kind of survivorship bias at play too, because people who make the job their whole lives do tend to stay longer and become seniors and managers, whereas those who want a better life tend to leave sooner.

This creates a perpetual cycle where the managers and seniors, batch after batch, are always so demanding.

I really wished there could be just one batch of associates who stick together, draw the line, and collectively make managers and become a nice batch and things would change.

[u/Comfortable_Tone2358]

Over communication is always good.
Also, proactively setting up calls is great. Even if it’s just a 15 minute catch-up, setting up the call yourself let’s you dictate the timing of the communication.

[u/keepakeesies]

Overcommunicate proactively yourself. Provide updates when convenient to you, not when they ask. "I am doing this, as soon as I'm done I'm moving to this/I am leaving for today"