THERE IS A HELL! - - - IT IS CALLED RETAIL SUPERVISORS | Page 14
#9 Don’t Say - “You’re stupid, the worst (expletive) worker ever”
Anger, profanity and belittling are a spear through an employee’s heart. Bosses should
behave with civility and professionalism. A columnist noted recently that while it is
inadvisable for a boss to swear in front of an employee, it is absolutely unacceptable to
swear at an employee.
In summary, a great manager should keep his or her word and strive to set a good
example. A good boss will praise in public and if a constructive reprimand is necessary,
provide it sparingly, privately, and with benevolence. Allowing failure is a key of true
delegation. Lessons are learned from missed goals. Learn to listen, and when employees
provide feedback, do your best to consider their thoughts with an open mind. If leaders
follow these points, they will experience loyal and engaged employees who truly enjoy their
assignments and contribute to the well being of the organization
I am truly amazed, as are many of you, at how many insensitive and cruel bosses there are
in the world. It appears there is a vast and sadly even growing population of unhappy
employees who work for dictatorial bosses.
Sadly, there is a large and even growing population of
individuals currently working for bosses who are behaving like
jerks.
The complaints from workers about their supervisors seem
endless. The common theme is that employees feel like
second - class citizens, or in some cases, like slaves. Abused
workers feel frustrated, angry and miserable. Many would
quit their jobs if they could. They tell me they can’t
leave. They need a pay check to cover their groceries,
mortgage, utilities and car payment.
What can an employee do under these circumstances? As I see it, here are your available
choices:
1. Grin and Bear It
This is an acceptable option for most workers but it is certainly a sad one. It is destructive
to the worker and supervisor. It’s a zero sum game for everyone. There are winners (or
perhaps in some cases, survivors). Employees will take body blows day after day and
somehow survive. Are they engaged and highly productive workers? Generally; no! They
do a minimum amount of work to get by. Do they ever stand up and confront the boss?
Never! It would be neither practical nor effective. Do these workers treat others well? Only
if necessary to maintain the status quo!
These are workers who don’t rock the boat. They do, however, find ways to escape the
frustration. They secretly gossip about management. They waste time wandering about the
office or playing Internet games. In a discreet way, they adroitly and spitefully sabotage
dodie ste®eo p®odu©tion ™
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