Passive Boss

Question

I have a passive Boss and really doesn't give any kind of useful feedback and is very shy to speak the truth. I've also experienced some kind of passive aggressive vibes from him -- saying "Hi" with a really firm face in the hallway, etc....

Overall I don't feel good about asking for his recommendation for an MBA. Now, it bothers me to the very core that one person has so much control over how other people perceive me and there is very good chance that I will spearhead this effort and apply for an MBA regardless of his views on how an employee should behave/transition through his career.

Questions and real fears that put me in a state of anxiety:

1. What if I get rejected by Bschool and I have to show my face to him every day? I don't even have a second thought that I won't have any future that company moving forward. How to handle this situation graciously ?

This is a real fear that pops up couple of time a week and I am sick an tired of it. I want to experience life and not get caught up with silly thoughts.

Any help is extremely appreciated.

Thanks all

99Colleges · Answer

Hi 30mgmat,

If it's that bad, why not have a different recommender. Because if he writes an average recommendation, it'll weaken your application.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

I would certainly consider another recommender if this si a real concern like it sounds like. I am not sure if you have already asked him or included his email in the application form but if you have not I would seek out another recommender

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I agree with everyone else - screw this guy. Find another recommender. It's important for you to submit a wildly enthusiastic letter. In the additional info section, you can state that that it would jeopardize your employment there and leave it at that. Alternatively, you can state that this person is a new boss and unable to provide quality feedback about your candidacy. However I would recommend that you make sure to submit at least one professional letter (ideally, former boss).

societyilldoit · Answer

Thanks everyone for the help.

I remember reading somewhere that MBA admissions board really expects one recommendation from immediate boss/manager -- one reason why I am worried. I am scared to lie in the application form. I don't know why I am scared of so many things. I shouldn't make decisions out of fear.

I was really surprised as to how quickly info travels within the company (it's as if gossip is all they do -- really immature). It doesn't matter if I ask someone else or not....he will be even more pissed that I didn't ask him for recommendation.

Changing company is not an option. I need a way to handle this graciously.

I haven't even written for my GMAT yet. I plan on applying during Round 1 of 2017 (may be Sep 2017 time frame). But this thing has been a real mental block. I have a few more questions:

1. This boss will be replaced by a new boss (he got promoted) and I will have known the new boss for less than a year when I ask for his recommendation. Should I consider someone else if it's < than a year?
2. Is it wise to tell my boss regardless of whether I decide to pick him as one of my recommender or not?

Passive Boss

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