My boss is incredibly moody. I’m never sure which boss I’ll find each day – a kind, fun, upbeat one or a sour, grumpy, rude one. I hate that my working day is tied to her ups and downs. Other than that I like my job. Help!
When I was managing WAH Nails, I had no idea that my mood could put everyone on edge or, conversely, galvanise a fun, energetic vibe. In a public salon, this became critical to the culture of the business – I didn’t want a customer walking in and feeling negative energy. I felt a lot of pressure always to be happy.
Stoicism has really helped me. First, I accepted that, as a boss, it’s my responsibility to maintain stability in the organisation. But also for my own wellbeing, a steady day with regular emotional range made me happier, as well as having a ripple effect on the team. I no longer shout at the computer screen to an annoying email, or swear crazily in the office, because it puts everyone on edge, even when it’s nothing to do with them. But I needed feedback to get to this point; I needed my employees to make it clear how they felt.
