End of Probationary Period

[Anabel]

I wonder if you lovely ABers out there could give me some advice.

I'll make this as brief as I can.  My probationary period was extended to 6 months (from what should have been 3).  The reason being is my boss felt I needed to improve on my communication skills, as well as my multi-tasking capabilities � all of which I feel I have achieved.

I really like the company I work in and don't want to leave.  The problem with me is, is that I lack confidence and I think this show's particularly to my boss.  My boss is very direct and straight to the point � very professional.  I am professional with my boss, but a lot of the time my boss makes me nervous.  I think my boss makes me nervous because I'm the kind of person that what you see is what you get.  I get on really well with everyone, but I feel I can't be myself around my boss�

It's difficult to explain, but I feel that we're probably not matched in our personalities. I do like the work I do for my boss (overall my boss seems happy with it) � I don't dislike my boss and we do get on, on the whole.

My boss has asked me to prepare for our meeting tomorrow � we'll be talking about the way forward for me in the company � what my objectives might be and what I have achieved to date. 

What kind of things do you think my boss will expect me to say and how do I say them positively so my boss will want to keep me on in the company???

Thanks so much in advance for any advice you can give me??? xxx

[prohibited]

It's a hard one to answer. All bosses are different and different questions are asked. I'm still in my probationary period at my job, but I've had an 8 week meeting with the boss. I was really nervous about this and wondered what he'd ask me. In the end I found being myself and being as calm and collected as possible was the best thing. He asked me how I felt I'd got on with jobs, if I had any worries about anything I was doing etc. Mainly he did all the talking and I answered his questions politely and with as brief but descriptive explanation as possible. Look your boss in the eyes it'll show a bit of confidence (I'm not confident either). Basically my meeting was him ticking off and marking me out of 5 on a sheet for how good I was, and him choosing my next objectives. I also found it wasn't nearly as long sa I thought it would be, and make sure you bring up any concerns. Better to mention them than worry about them once you are out of the meeting. I know I haven't been much help, but I'm sure you will do brilliantly, I hope you do. Let us know how you get on. Good luck!

[Anabel]

Thanks so much Prohibited!!  You have helped a lot!!  My meeting is today, so fingers crossed and I'll let you know how I got on. xx

[Trillipse]

unfortunately i only just read this message (5.51am, tue morning) and wish i could have answered in a more relevant time.

i have similar issues with one of my bosses, and find that a display of a healthy insight into your own capabilities and any possible weaknesses will always show that you're not a) afraid to stick up for yourself or b) unrealistically overconfident.

it doesn't sound like your boss is a nasty bustard, or has taken an irrational dislike to you ( as some can ) so the advice above sounds fair enough.

so:

1: don't openly slag him off

b: be open within the bounds of reason without exposing yourself to what your boss may feel is good groundsto apply constructive b.llocking

III: don't grovel (doesn't sound like you will anyway)

and

g: wear a short skirt and low-cut top (but only if you're a man...)

ps apologies for the odd reply, but have literally just woken up after 1.5 hrs sleep through being up alllllll night wtiring an assignemtnttenf plan to impress some boss type person, and vcan barely see the keyboard/am stilll comatose.

so am clearlt the right person to give advice on rational ways to deal with authority figures.

for hte real answer, ask my other half, who's just kicked me out of bed for snoring.

lots of love and good luck.

Try-Lips.

x

 

pps HOW DID IT GO?

[Anabel]

Hi there Try-Lips

I'm sorry you haven't had much sleep, but I really do appreciate the response!!

I had my meeting with my boss on Friday late afternoon and thank goodness, I'm happy to say it went fairly well (I was really nervous though...)!!  Basically 'she' said that she was happy with the way things were progressing but my boss now wants me to step up a level and support her in an executive capacity and get more involved in projects with her...

So needless to say, she has made me a permanent member of staff at the company and with that in mind, I'm already starting to feel much more confident :o))

Thanks again and all the best with you!!!  Try to not let anyone grind you down and always remember your worth!!  I know it's easier said than done, half the time...

Lots of love A xxx