Monday, March 31, 2008

Today I lied like a rug

Okay, so it doesn't really work in the past tense. But syntax aside, I committed an enormous act of prevarication. I really don't like lying. Making shit up is a different story, but flat-out lying, I really don't like it so much. However, I did it so as not to hurt someone's feelings. And possibly to prevent me from losing my job. Which wouldn't really be such a bad thing. In fact I will rejoice the day I am free of that dump. But I digress.

My department head, the person I report to, was a casual friend who recruited me for this position. Had I known what a lunatic she is to work for, or what a hornet's nest I was getting into, I would have declined. But I said yes. Here is what's wrong with her. She could be a poster child for ADD. She lacks class. She's not really all that bright. She's chock full of nervous energy and constantly distracts everyone from what they're doing. She loves to blame other people. She's territorial and a control freak. On the positive, she's generally very cheerful -- overly cheerful, in fact. And she is extremely supportive and protective of the people in her department. She will go to bat for any one of her people at any time. She's not a malicious person and generally she means well. But...all of that said, none of us can stand working for her.

So what was the lie? It seems that somehow the information got leaked to the Museum Director that the people in my department don't like our boss and think she's incompetent. The director, being the hurful brat that she can be, told this to my boss. Today my boss told me this and asked me plaintively if that were true.

I tried as many ways as I could to imply denial without actually saying it but she persisted. So, with no options left, I sucked it up and lied. I told her no, it was absolutely not true! Who would say such a thing? I mean I do feel bad for her, especially today I did. And I don't want to be the one to tell her that she's clueless and everyone wishes she were gone. So I lied. Boldly and loudly and with authority.

9 comments:

wa11z said...

Well, if you're gonna lie you might as well do it "boldly, loudly, and with authority."

Whe you finally do quit make it a point to tell her that you were lying about it. You'll feel better.

BC said...

Or when you find another job, run like hell and never look back.

Ive done that a few times to spare the feelings of others but it always bit my ass in the end.

If some asked me if they are a bitch, I will reply that yes they are. If they have something in their teeth, then I will tell them.

In your case, I probably would have told her in private what I think she could improve on. I wouldnt come out and tell her that shes clueless. I dont know. That is a tough situation though.

Is she now being watched by her boss? I would just tell her to be a little more subdued.

fermicat said...

I think your karma will not be adversely affected by this lie.

Anonymous said...

Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the Servidor, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://servidor-brasil.blogspot.com. A hug.

TheWriteGirl said...

Well gosh, thanks servidores and don't let the door hit you on the way out.

The work situation is very complicated. First of all it's a very small staff and everything gets around. I don't intend to admit the truth to this woman unless forced to on pain of death. And even then, I'll find a way to mitigate it. She has a lot of years of experience and I'm sure in the right situation she can be very effective. The problem is, this place is so dysfunctional, nobody can perform well. We all need to get out of here ASAP.

wa11z said...

Hey Servidores, why don't you Servisuckit! And Brazil sucks! Isn't everyone down there a transexual?

TheWriteGirl said...

Yeah! Every last one of 'em! They all suck! (Way ta go, wa11z!)

wa11z said...

Thanks, WG.

Beth said...

I have such a difficult time with not telling the truth, I look mentally deficient when I try. I can't play poker or anything so either I would have been a stuttering fool in your case or would have said, "Do you expect everyone to like you?" =/