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Management Woes

Pandoren

Background- I work at a rescue centre with only two paid employees, this being myself (the assistant) and the manager (who founded the Rescue). The arrangement became that the manager did the admin stuff and (usually) met with customers and other social engagements and I did the copious amount of cleaning that all the animals incur. If groups of people turned up to volunteer or someone I didn't want to deal with, I generally rambled frantically until the manager showed up and then was like "oh, there's [name]!" and after handing over at speed, I'd make myself scarce.

I got to work yesterday morning to find that my manager not only quit without notice, but skipped out of the entire country. I am now the only staff member. 

This brings with it a host of complications, not least that my hours have now increased so I'm suddenly thrown in for five days a week but now I can't dodge around management. Groups stress me out incredibly, trying to deal with more than a couple of people I don't know and trying to think of things to organise for them is the recipe for a meltdown. 

I'm trying to think of ways to support the issue, for example:

~ Making a list of jobs before any groups are expected so there's already something to hand

~ Asking for at least one of my known volunteers to come in that day, so I can pass the buck if necessary

~ Having prepared speeches ready on certain topics so I'm not rambling and floundering

Has anyone got any advice?

Thanks

  • I didn't mention the committee because it wasn't relevant to the reason I was posting. I was specifically talking about my interactions (the original capitals was for emphasis) with other "staff" (the volunteers), groups and members of the public. I'm not looking forward to work experience students who are basically obliged to be around all day for a week or two, especially as some of the ones we had last year either had too little to do or making them do anything was as easy as nailing a jelly to the ceiling. 

  • It wasn't clear to me from your original post that it was only the social interactions that were your problem - you didn't mention the committee, so I imagined you might be having to manage everything yourself, and being overwhelmed by having too many things to deal with at once is a problem I have which I thought you might be having too.

    Also, please would you kindly not use capital letters when replying to someone's response - it makes it seem like you are shouting (see advice re posting on this forum) and could be interpreted that you think the person who has replied is stupid. 

  • Her family informed us and I am not in contact with her.

    The volunteers are being called in already. I've had some help come down but that's besides the point, it's my social INTERACTIONS that I'm trying to address using this site. Everything else is being dealt with by the committee.

  • How did you find out that the manager had left and gone abroad?  Are you still in contact with them to get advice?

    The ideas you came up with are excellent. If you haven't already done so,  I would suggest you contact all your regular volunteers you are familiar with, explain the situation and ask for help.

    You can't rely just on volunteers long term though. If your manager isn't coming back, another paid member of staff you can rely on will be required. Would your manager be able /prepared to do interviews for another member of staff via Skype?

    You say the manager founded the rescue centre - does that mean they own the land and buildings which form the centre, or did they form a charity which now owns it? Who does the accounts, pays for the animals' food, electric bills, etc? Maybe one of your regular volunteers or someone else who knows the manager would be able to give you advice about these aspects? 

    This is not just about your social difficulties, it's a big problem that anyone would struggle with. Don't take too much upon yourself - get help wherever you can. Take care.