I have a boss who is hard to read and rarely ever give feedback. Let's say that she's nearing retirement and has a lot of respect in her region and by her workers. But at the same time; it seems like she doesn't like to be criticized and can turn on you.
I'd like to see her as a very experienced and senior boss and a good person( we work in managerial positions in a psycho-medical center); who wants the best for the younger generations. But at the same time… I feel like she's a manipulative snake. All I get is negative vibes from her. She didn't hire me BTW and it seems like she didn't like me in the beginning. I'm not sure about the history of my workplace… and I'm afraid to ask other colleagues what they think of her. No one dares to say something off when clearly there are a lot of issues… Basically everything said is always positive ish and there is a semblance of autocritic. That being said all the younger managers are always blamed and openly criticized( I've never seen this elsewhere ..) instead of having private feedback everything is open( that being said criticism is always directed towards us and no one else… and we get to do the hardest job and take responsability). Anyways; I found her constant public blaming/ and criticizing( she says it's the culture of error mentality; where discussing mistakes has to be open… but in reality it's a shame/blame/criticism galore… something is off..). That constant criticising and blaming( negative feedback ++) coupled with the absence of constructive and positive feedback ans the absence of directions or instructions( which create of course more mistakes and errors)… creates an uneasy feeling in me.
But people say she's amazing and saved their lives…. but I don't see that…
I also get the feeling that there is no professional/ private boundaries… basically most of this colleagues know themselves in real life! And some are friends!( how? In which context? I don't know since I just arrived…)
I've been criticized by other managers that I can in a workplace without being informed of the culture( I still don't know what the workplace value/culture is… everything is unclear..). ( * Why did you come working here?*)… it basically seems like there are some untold realities of this workplace that no one dares to talk about… also did I mention the high turnover of workers :p
Anyways; after many issues and interpersonal issues with my team mates.. I'm thinking about leaving!
I believe that by criticising the younger people; even if the mistake is relative and not real is a power tactic. Also the turnover rate is crazy high.
So: should I trust my boss or not? Ot trust is the wrong way of seeing things?