I am a teacher at a large school with multiple leaders. We recently employed a new member of the leadership team who happens to be my direct boss. On a day to day basis I don't need to have much to do with him, but generally I want to have a good working relationship with him. The trouble is he treats me like I'm no one. I try to make conversation and he just answers the shortest way possible then turns away. He rarely makes eye contact and even sometimes answers me by looking at others when he's supposed to be talking to me. He has never shown any interest in what I do or teach or what I have to offer. With other teachers he laughs, makes jokes interacts and talks openly about subjects he ignores with me. I have given him time to settle in and get to know everyone but 9 months on, it's becoming evident he has no respect for me. I am a quiet, fly under the radar type of person so it's not because I'm too out there for him or anything. I have noticed he pays more attention to the younger staff, the leadership group and the male staff members. I am becoming depressed as it's chipping away at my self esteem and making me question my worth and sense of belonging. I love my job and do not want to feel this way. Any ideas to help me cope as I can feel myself going downhill. Thank you.
2 Replies
I would call him out on his behavior by having a one on one meeting and letting him know how you feel and how he is making you feel. Once it is out there he has a choice weather he acts on it. If the behavior continues then eseclate the issue no one should feel worthless at their job you spend majority of time your time there.
I had an area manager whoe was always awkward with me. It made me feel the same. I think calling him on it will make things more awkward. You could hold a meeting and call him on it, but in terms of asking for feedback on your performance, communication, etc and let him know youre feeling unsupported or as if youre not doing something right.
Take it off the personal relationship between the two of you, keep it professional, hopefully he'll give you something more to work with.