by Judy Zabriskie

Created on: July 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Having had many horrific bosses during my working career, when it finally became my turn to assume the position of "boss" I was determined to be a good one and this I accomplished, if I have to say so myself. Throughout my working career one which started at age 12 when I started a regular baby sitting job for 2 young, up and coming physicians where they thought of me as their personal assistant, house cleaner, childcare worker, errand runner and ended just this year when I was forced into retirement of sorts by quite possibly one of the worst bosses I have ever encountered, I have many types of bosses with some great, some mediocre and some downright terrible.

I digress though, after having worked throughout middle and high school as a baby sitter for this one family I was off to college. Because my parents were unwilling to contribute to my educational experience I was forced to accept Work-Study and several part time on and off campus employment positions. I do have to say, the work study positions were the best. They were usually clerical positions in the Dept. in which I majored. I usually never knew who my boss was, I would just show up ask anyone there if they needed help, put in my time and get a paycheck which was automatically placed into my school account, paying for tuition fees, room and board, etc. My on campus non-work study jobs were not quite as good. The worst position I held was that of cafeteria aide in my freshman dorm cafeteria during the breakfast shift. The cafeteria manager was like that of a Nazi Germany Iron maiden. Because of my low status I was forced to swab floors, wash countertops and tables and, if lucky, spoon out disgusting oatmeal or gruel as the case may be. Nothing I ever did pleased this woman, but I was not alone no one who worked in her employ was "qualified" to work for her in her estimation. I have to say, working there taught me a lot of about how to treat people. Take what she did and reverse it!

Much time has passed since those school work days and throughout my career I have held many positions, finally mid-career attaining the status of Medical Office Practice Manager for a multi-physician practice with several people working under me. I learned well from past experiences and tried to treat my employees with the respect and dignity that they so rightfully deserved. When there was cause for discipline I would speak to that particular employee in private, discussing their short comings, giving them ample time to

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