Biz owner not fulfilling promises to new hire

A few months ago, I was hired by a woman who has been a wedding photographer for 30 years. “Marsha” recently opened her own studio in order to expand her business beyond weddings. Unfortunately, she is not very computer savvy, so she has a lot of difficulty operating the equipment.

To provide a full line of services, Marsha also decided to offer custom picture-framing. Because she has no framing experience, she hired me to run that part of the business. Although she promised to purchase everything we would need, she has absolutely no understanding of what a professional frame shop requires.

Now I seem to be expected to produce quality results without proper equipment or supplies. On top of that, Marsha constantly interrupts my work to ask for help with her computer issues. Because I believe Marsha was dishonest with me, I’m feeling quite resentful and concerned for my future. What should I do?

Based on your description, Marsha sounds more scattered than deceptive. She undoubtedly had high hopes for this expansion plan, but failed to consider all the practical realities. Like many enthusiastic business owners, she was overly optimistic about both her abilities and her resources.

While photography and framing are certainly complementary, they are totally separate endeavors. Regrettably, Marsha seems to have focused only on the marketing potential without fully considering implementation costs. As a result, she made promises which she is either unable or unwilling to keep.

To determine your own best course of action, you need a better understanding of Marsha’s current intentions. Without becoming upset or accusatory, present her with a detailed summary of requirements for a quality framing business. If she appears willing to provide those resources, then perhaps you should give her another chance.

On the other hand, this disorganized woman does seem to require a lot of help. So if you prefer not to fulfill that role, it may be time to find a more established employer.

I have a young coworker who is immature. “Rachel” argues with me constantly and always insists that she is right. We butt heads over the most trivial and stupid things. Rachel’s stubbornness is driving me crazy, and I just can’t take it anymore. Do you have any advice?

You have apparently forgotten that an argument requires two participants. So if you really want to end these pointless disputes, just stop arguing. By continuing to engage in “trivial and stupid” debates, you are being equally as immature and stubborn as your quarrelsome coworker.

The real issue here is that you find Rachel irritating, so you have allowed yourself to get emotionally “hooked” into an oppositional behavior pattern. To break this cycle, the next time you’re tempted to jump into the fray, simply take a deep breath and withdraw from the discussion.

For example: “Rachel, I think we should agree to disagree, because this issue really isn’t important to me.” Then you must stop talking and shift attention to your work. Just be sure to smile during this exchange, because a snippy attitude will only add fuel to the fire.