Agree to Disagree: What to Do When You Don’t Get Along with the Optical Manager

Do you prepare for work every morning like you’re going into battle? Are you ready to have a disagreement with the optical manager over your KPIs, hours and schedule? Some corporate opticals are more demanding than others and the simplest decisions take forever.

Let’s look at some of the potential causes for this and what you can do to avoid future disagreements and focus on patient care.

1. Take a Step Back

Before you decide to get hot headed and confront the optical manager or take a step back and try to find a reason for this constant disagreement. Take a look around the floor. If your manager only seems to have a problem with you, then maybe the problem is you. Figure out what you’re doing that seems to be ticking them off: maybe you’re not keeping up with the patient flow. You can either have a conversation with the manager to find out what needs to change, or figure it out on your own. If their attitude is the same with everyone, then you need to change your tactics when dealing with them.

2. Different Perspective

As with most things in life, having a positive attitude can solve your problems with your boss as well. Remind yourself why you’re working here in the first place. Whether it’s your dream job or you’re in it for the money or whatever else, your reasons for sticking around are important. This means that to stay, you need to make a smile a part of your daily attire. Taking a different perspective and focusing on the pros instead of the cons can help you change the vibe of the office. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and understand their struggles and make sure to have an open line of communication to have them understand your issues. Have weekly meetings to discuss your goals as well as their goals. It is important to have the optical staff understand that your experience at the office is vital to the success of the business.

3. Give it Time

With evolving work environments, no one sticks to a single job for a long time. If the manager is difficult to deal with in general, you won’t have to bear the brunt for their behavior. After having a conversation and trying to make changes the next step is to report to your Eye Care Director or regional manager.

However, in the real world, things rarely go as we envision them. Look for other jobs that fit your interests and requirements, and when you’re ready, take the plunge and move on. The work environment should be rewarding and challenging, but there is no need to deal with toxic people.