Worker tries to cope with bullying boss
Dear Amy: I have been in my current job for just over two years.
I like the work and most of the people that I work with, but, my boss is a bully to me and everyone else. He has yelled at me at least 10 times.
I don't mind being corrected, but he swears, calls you names, and really degrades you.
He does this to everyone in the office -- even his own boss. A few people have filed complaints about him, and one person even needed anxiety medication.
The last time he yelled at me was about a month ago. I walked into work and could tell he was already in a bad mood. All of a sudden, he started yelling about a memo I sent. I'd finally had enough and respectfully stood up for myself. The memo he yelled at me about was the same one he had approved a week before. Following that incident, he sent an email apologizing for his behavior.
I come from a long line of strong women, but I am scared to lose my job if I stand up for myself. The men in the office are also his targets and they are scared because they feel that no one will listen because they are men. How do we put a stop to this?
-- Nervous Employee
Dear Nervous: You already stood up for yourself, and it worked, so you should continue to stand up for yourself, respectfully countering any bullying behavior and unfounded accusations that are flung your way.
Keep a written record of any bullying behavior you consider out of bounds, including dates, times, and his response. Others have filed reports about him, and you should, too.
Upper management and/or HR should act on these reports. His behavior is damaging the work environment and affecting productivity, certainly if he is punishing you for work he has previously approved.
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