We're Women, Not "Girls"
Q: I
share an office with two other women. Our male manager always
refers to us as “the girls”. We have hinted that we are "women"
or "ladies", but it hasn’t done any good.
Our boss seems to see nothing wrong with calling
us girls, but we feel it is demeaning. How can we discuss this
with him? Should we start calling him "the boy"?
A: Either
this guy is stuck somewhere back in the ‘70's, or he simply
enjoys annoying you. To have any hope of changing his behavior,
you should stop dropping hints and start expressing your wishes
directly.
Offensive people are completely immune to subtle suggestions.
Getting their attention requires a big, flashing neon sign. So
all three of you must deliver a clear message to your clueless
boss.
For
example: "We know you may think this is silly, but as grown
women, we really don't like being referred to as 'the girls'.
We doubt that you would want your boss calling you 'the boy'.
So we would appreciate your saying 'women' or 'ladies' instead."
When
he slips up, politely remind him of your request. Or, if he has
a sense of humor, say “Hey, boy! You’re calling us girls
again.”
But
if he refuses to change, you may have to let it go. As long as
he’s a good boss otherwise, just consider him a cultural
dinosaur and overlook his thoughtless comments.
Related information from Your Office Coach:
§
“How
to Complain to Your Boss” from our “Managing Your Boss”
section:
http://www.yourofficecoach.com/Topics/how_to_complain_to_your_boss.htm
One of our Supervisors is Always Gone
Q:
A supervisor in our office essentially works part-time for
full-time pay. Our hours are nine to five, but "Betty" arrives
at 10:30, leaves for lunch at 11:30, and doesn't return until
1:30. This has created a big morale problem.
When her manager was informed about this, he
said, "Betty does a great job and we don't want to lose her, so
we're not going to do anything." What can be done to correct
this situation?
A:
For
some reason,
Betty clearly has considerable leverage with her boss. One
wonders how she can be so valuable when she’s gone half the
time.
Since
her manager refuses to address the issue, your only option is to
go over or around him. Individual complaints are easily written
off, so make this a group effort. Enlist other concerned
colleagues and meet with a supportive executive or human
resources manager.
First, present documentation of Betty’s arrival and departure
times. Then describe the business problems created by an
absentee supervisor. For example, she’s not available when
employees need assistance. And she’s a terrible role model for
her staff, who may begin to adopt the same schedule.
Any
responsible executive will quickly correct such an obvious
example of lax management. But if Betty’s leverage extends
beyond her boss, you may be out of luck.
Related information from Your Office Coach:
“How to
Complain to Your Boss” from our “Managing Your Boss”
section:
http://www.yourofficecoach.com/Topics/how_to_complain_to_your_boss.htm
back to top
My Boss Likes to Hit People
Q: I
work for a boss who is both verbally and physically abusive.
Although he hasn’t touched me, I have seen him snap other female
employees with rubber bands, leaving a bruise. He likes to
punch the male employees and hit them in the head. He says he’s
just “playing around”.
This is a small company, and the owner is the
only other manager. She and my boss are very close, and she
relies on him a lot. However, she has no idea about his abusive
behavior.
I have started documenting his actions, but I
don’t know how to tell the owner. I love my work, but this
manager is creating a lot of stress.
A: Your
sadistic boss is not only an employee relations nightmare, but
also a huge legal liability. He could be a threat to the
business in many ways, so the owner needs to know.
To
advise her of the problem, you and your besieged coworkers
should meet with her as a group. If she hears the same story
from many people, she is more likely to take it seriously.
Give
the owner a detailed, factual description of the manager’s
inappropriate conduct. Then specifically request that she
direct him to immediately cease all physical contact with
employees.
In
addition, you and your colleagues must also stop tolerating this
abuse. The next time your boss touches anyone, he should be
informed that legally this could be considered battery, and that
if he doesn't stop, charges may be filed against him.
If
the owner takes no action to end the harassment, start looking
for another job. You shouldn’t stay in a company where physical
violence is considered acceptable.
Related information from Your Office Coach:
§
“Five
Types of Difficult Bosses” from our “Managing Your Boss”
section:
http://www.yourofficecoach.com/Topics/five_types_of_difficult_bosses.htm
back to top
My Boss's Assistant is a Bimbo
Q:
My
boss recently hired “Kimberly”, an inexperienced 23-year-old, as
his personal assistant. She can't compose a letter, her grammar
is bad, and she has terrible phone manners.
When he sent her to buy a picture frame, she
forgot to measure the picture and had to make two trips. But no
matter how she screws up, he never yells at her.
Recently, when I filled out a form incorrectly,
my boss gave the assignment to Kimberly. After she completely
messed up the same form, he told me to fix it and said “she’s
not quite ready for that yet”.
Because Kimberly lied about her computer skills,
she constantly asks the rest of us for help. As far as I can
see, she was hired only because she has a big chest and a cheap
salary.
My boss regularly makes overnight trips to visit
various hotels owned by our company. Now he’s started taking
Kimberly with him. When she began giving orders to hotel
employees, they called me and asked “who is this kid?”
I wonder if I should look for another job,
because I’m totally sick of this situation.
A:
Don’t pull the plug prematurely. Your bedazzled boss and his
eye-catching assistant may be aggravating, but you need to
consider the bigger picture.
Do you enjoy the
work you’re doing? Was your manager reasonably sane before
Kimberly arrived? Can you easily find a comparable position?
Don’t ditch your job if you’re otherwise happy there.
If,
as you suspect, the overnighters involve more monkey business
than hotel business, your manager won’t be normal for awhile.
People in the grip of lust are seldom rational. But if he used
to be a good boss, give him a little time to come to his senses.
Meanwhile, maintain a pleasant, friendly relationship with the
incompetent cupcake. She has your boss's ear (and perhaps some
other parts as well), so you don’t want her trashing you.
But
don’t do her work or cover up her mistakes. If she bungles her
job badly enough, your boss may be forced to see her more
clearly.
Related information from Your Office Coach:
§
“Dangerous
Workplace Romances” from our “Office Politics” section:
http://www.yourofficecoach.com/Topics/romance_at_work.htm
back to top
Our Boss Imposed a No-Talk
Rule
Q:
The vice president of our department recently sent out an email
forbidding all conversation that is not directly related to
work. This has created very low morale and a suffocating
environment. We feel like we’re in a mausoleum. Other employees
always talk about how quiet our department is.
Although this is a good place to work, our VP is
making everyone miserable. If she finds someone in another
person’s office, she will stop and say "What's going on here? I
hope you are talking about work!"
This VP has a longstanding reputation for being
unreasonable. She is not well-liked by anyone except the CEO,
but his opinion counts for a lot.
We’ve thought
about taking our problem to the human resources manager. Do you
think he could do anything about this woman's absurd behavior?
A:
Your tyrannical VP would make an excellent prison guard, but
she’s a horrible manager. Not only is she making life miserable
for you, but she’s also hurting the company. Turning the office
into a labor camp will reduce
productivity and
increase turnover.
Any
professional HR manager should immediately see that this
work-talk-only
policy is idiotic and counterproductive. So going to human
resources at least insures that someone is aware of the
problem.
When
you meet with HR, don’t just send a lone representative. Group
action will have more impact. And instead of ranting about the
VP’s dreadful personality, describe how her harsh policies could
harm the business.
The
ultimate solution to this problem, however, rests with the CEO.
The HR manager can make him aware of the VP’s despotic
tendencies. But as her boss, he’s the only one who can overrule
her decisions.
If
the CEO supports your VP’s oppressive management style, then
you’re doomed to suffer in silence. But if he understands the
problem, he has the power to change it.
Smart
CEO’s know that you increase productivity by inspiring
employees, not terrorizing them. And muzzling people is hardly
inspirational.
Related information from Your Office
Coach:
“Quick
Quiz: Are You a Task Master or a Socializer?” from our
Lessons in Leadership section:
http://www.yourofficecoach.com/Topics/taskmaster_v_socializer.htm
back to top
Should I Tell My Boss About
His Mistake?
Q:
I recently became the administrative assistant to our company’s
General Manager. We communicate very well, but I have run into
a problem that I’m not sure how to handle.
Every week, I have to turn in my boss’s expense report. On the
last one, I noticed that he had claimed certain expenses twice.
I couldn’t find a nice way to say this, so I didn’t tell him
about it.
Now I’m afraid that he will be embarrassed if someone else finds
this duplication. Should I say something?
A:
If your boss
expects you to check expense reports for errors, then you need
to tell him about this one. Otherwise, he may hold you
responsible.
But
if he only expects you to forward the report for payment, you
can safely wait for someone in accounting to point out the
problem. And if you’re not sure what you’re expected to do with
these reports, then you need to clarify your job duties.
In
the future, don’t hesitate to take such questions to your boss.
As his assistant, you should feel free to ask about any
work-related issue.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
§
“Strategies for Surviving a New Boss” at
http://www.yourofficecoach.com/Topics/surviving_new_boss.htm
§
“How to Complain to Your Boss” at
http://www.yourofficecoach.com/Topics/how_to_complain_to_your_boss.htm
back to top
My Boss Keeps Asking For
Gossip
Q:
One of my coworkers recently became my boss. She has been
pressuring me, even threatening me, to get me to confide in her
about other employees the way I used to. I try to keep our
conversations strictly professional, but that’s not enough for
her. She wants me to be her pal.
This woman is
notorious for taking anything you say and turning it against
you. I tried being her friend when we were coworkers, and that
didn't work out too well for me. I don’t trust her any farther
than I can throw her, but now she’s my supervisor. What should I
do?
A:
Promotions always alter relationships. Your former colleague
needs to realize that she can’t be both a boss and a buddy.
Even if you trusted her completely, I seriously doubt that you
would tell her everything.
Perhaps you can help her see how the situation has changed. For
example: "Now that you’re the boss, I know there are things
that you won’t be able to tell me. I'm sure your manager
expects you to keep some information confidential.
“At
the same time, I can't share everything that my coworkers say,
because that wouldn’t be fair to them and they would stop
trusting me. But I hope we can still have a friendly
relationship." Then continue to be pleasant, cooperative, and
close-mouthed.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
§
“Strategies for Surviving a New Boss ” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/surviving_new_boss.htm
§
“How to Complain to Your Boss” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/how_to_complain_to_your_boss.htm
back to top
My Coworker Keeps Touching
our Boss
Q:
I am an administrative assistant in a small company. One female
employee is constantly touching the boss, who happens to be
married. They have worked together for six years.
I have seen her pat his hair, rub his shoulders,
and lean her very large chest over him as he sits at his desk.
She bats her eyelashes and caters to his every whim.
I don't think this is at all appropriate. It may
be harmless but, it doesn't look that way. What's your opinion?
A:
To put it
bluntly, I think you should mind your own business and focus on
your work. You are an employee, not the manager or the
morality monitor. If these people are doing something improper,
they will have to suffer the consequences in their personal
lives.
Your
boss could discourage this attention if he wanted to, but he
apparently likes it. So if their flirty relationship makes you
too uncomfortable, consider taking your administrative talents
elsewhere.
However, if someone ever starts touching you inappropriately,
you should immediately report the situation.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
top of page
My Boss is Insulting Me
Q:
Because I am much older than my co-workers, the owner of our
company has often referred to me as "mature” when talking to
clients. Even though this felt like an insult, I told myself
that he was clumsily highlighting my years of experience.
However, a recent incident left no doubt that he is referring to
my age, not my professional background. How can I let him know
these comments are inappropriate?
A:
Instead of
telling your boss that he’s thoughtless and rude, tactfully let
him know how you feel. For example: "I'm a little sensitive
about the age difference between me and the rest of the staff.
I’d really appreciate it if you would not point that out to
clients. But if you want to discuss my extensive work
experience, that would be great."
Unless your boss derives sadistic pleasure from needling people,
cut him a little slack and assume that his tacky comments are
not mean-spirited. People sometimes joke about things that
others don't find very funny.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
“How to Complain
to Your Boss ” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/how_to_complain_to_your_boss.htm
“Giving Effective
Feedback” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/giving_feedback.htm
back to top
My Boss’s Son is a Problem
Q:
I was recently hired as a manager in a small family-owned
business. I have been having problems with another manager who
happens to be the son of our CEO.
Recently, I had a long talk with the CEO and gave
her some constructive criticism about her son's performance.
She made it clear that critiquing him was a big mistake. I got
the message that her son can do no wrong and discussion of his
performance is off-limits.
Now I feel
that I can’t say anything about him, even though he’s my
co-worker. How can I deal with these extremely frustrating
family dynamics?
A:
A family
business is not at all like a publicly-traded company. When you
work for a family, you’re in a completely different universe.
Even if the business is professionally managed, family members
have a special status and non-relatives are outsiders.
During your chat about the CEO’s son, did you completely forget
that you were talking to his mom? As a manager, she should have
listened to your feedback. But her maternal reaction should not
have surprised you. When criticizing family, you must tread
carefully.
In
all likelihood, the son will eventually take over the business.
If the CEO suddenly dropped dead, this guy could become your
boss tomorrow. So even if he’s an idiot, you need to get along
with him.
Although his mom didn’t listen to your feedback about him, I can
guarantee that she’s listening to his feedback about you. If he
speaks well of you, your life will be easier.
Should you find that the combination of business and family
drives you completely bonkers, then you need to take your
talents to a different kind of company.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
back to top
Our New Manager Killed My
Promotion
Q:
In my department, I have long been considered the “lead
supervisor”. I have practically run the department for the past
year. Despite this, someone else was recently promoted to the
position of department manager.
This decision was made by a manager who is new to
our company. He never even gave me an interview or tried to get
to know me. I’m finding it difficult to accept the situation
and feel a lot of resentment towards both him and the company.
How do I get past this? And when I talk with the
big boss, how can I make him realize that I would have been the
right person for the job?
A:
I
wonder
how much effort you put into seeking this promotion. Did you
talk with the new manager about your interest in the position?
Do you know what type of person he was looking for? If not,
then you didn’t do your homework.
This
particular opportunity is history, so now you need to put it
behind you and focus on the future. Identify positions that
interest you. Get to know the people who make hiring
decisions. Ask for feedback about your leadership style and
make any appropriate changes.
Since
the “big boss” probably approved this promotion, implying that
it was a mistake will insult his judgment. Instead, let him
know of your interest in management and ask what you should do
to be considered in the future.
People who passively wait to be noticed are often overlooked.
You need to take an active approach to managing your career.
And if you conclude that advancement is unlikely with your
present company, then start exploring the rest of the world.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
“How to Improve
Your Resume without Changing Jobs” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/improve_your_resume.htm
“Ten Helpful
Things to Say to Your Boss” at http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/10_helpful_things.htm
back to top
My Boss Has A Crush On Me
Q:
My
supervisor, “Jake”, is infatuated with me. I used to be
friendly with Jake and his wife before his behavior became
obnoxious.
I’ve made it clear that I don't date either work
colleagues or married men, but Jake still vies for my attention
and pouts when I try to keep our relationship strictly
professional. He has even hinted to his buddies that we’re
having an affair, which is absolutely not true.
Short of
punching him or filing charges, what can I do to get Jake off
this sad, pathetic fantasy?
A:
To discourage Jake’s obsession, you should
immediately cease all conversation about it. Given his lovesick
state of mind, Jake will find any personal discussion rewarding,
even if the topic is your complete lack of interest in him. So
you must firmly declare an end to this one-sided flirtation.
For
example: “Jake, I’ve said repeatedly that I’m not interested in
any sort of romantic relationship with you. And this is the
last time I’m going to discuss it. If you continue to make
advances or imply that we’re romantically involved, I’ll have to
take formal action. But my hope is that we can continue to have
a good working relationship.”
Then
drop the subject forever. If he brings it up again, say, “As I
told you, I’m not going to discuss that.” Then don’t.
Although you are reluctant to file a complaint, Jake’s behavior
certainly constitutes sexual harassment. Should he ever decide
to retaliate for your indifference, you may need proof of his
inappropriate conduct. So consider keeping a record of his
overtures and confiding in a trusted colleague.
If
Jake becomes persistent, demanding, or threatening, you should
immediately contact someone in management or human resources.
Lustful longing can sometimes escalate into serious harassment
or stalking.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
§
“Dangerous Workplace Romances” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/romance_at_work.htm
§
“How to Manage an Office Romance ” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/how_to_manage_an_office_romance.htm
back to top
My Boss Promised a Raise,
But Never Delivered
Q:
I
recently completed my undergraduate degree in human resource
management. The whole time I was in school, my boss kept saying
that she would work on getting my pay increased once I
graduated.
Now that I have my degree, my manager says she
can’t give me a raise because this isn’t a common practice in
our company. Also, she said the Director of HR feels that I
don’t deserve an increase because of tardiness and because I
missed some committee meetings that he chaired.
I’ve now started graduate school in business
administration, but I don’t think my efforts to enhance my
career are appreciated. What do you think?
A:
Sounds
like your boss spoke too soon and promised too much. Her
assurance that she would "work on" getting you a raise
apparently meant exactly that. And unfortunately her work
didn’t produce the desired results.
Managers need to realize that simply uttering the phrase “pay
increase” immediately heightens expectations. Unless your boss
knew she could deliver the goods, she never should have
mentioned a possible salary upgrade.
Since
you work in HR, ask your compensation specialist whether
receiving a degree has ever triggered a salary adjustment. If a
precedent exists, you may be able to make a case for an
increase.
However, you also have a political obstacle to overcome. To get
raises, promotions, and other workplace goodies, employees must
make a favorable impression on higher level managers.
Regrettably, you seem to have done just the opposite.
Your
tardiness and absence from meetings appear to have offended the
Director, who may view these work habits as a sign that you are
not particularly serious about your career. And his beliefs
will affect your future, even if they are inaccurate.
So if
you want your boss’s boss to support your advancement, you must
demonstrate that you are just as dedicated to your job as you
are to your education. Then, if you still feel unappreciated,
you can always choose to take your talents elsewhere.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
§
“How to Ask for a Raise ” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/how_to_ask_for_a_raise.htm
§
“How to Complain to Your Boss” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/how_to_complain_to_your_boss.htm
back to top
Should I tell my boss I’m
leaving?
Q:
I
want to know if I should tell my boss that I’m looking for
another job. My company’s business is decreasing, our pay has
been slashed, and recently one of my coworkers was laid off.
I've always been able to talk openly with my manager, but
lately his personality has changed. What should I do?
A:
Honesty is commendable, but complete disclosure is often
foolish. If the higher-ups learn that you may be leaving, they
will start considering how to get along without you. You then
might find yourself at the top of the next layoff list.
Also, some
managers unfairly view employee departures as personal betrayal.
Should you change your mind and decide to stay, your boss might
never forgive you.
So keep your job
search information to yourself. Politically intelligent people
never tell anyone at work that they intend to leave until they
have already secured a new position.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
“Five Key
Job-Seeking Skills ” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/five_key_job-seeking_skills.htm
“Do’s & Don’ts
for Job Interviews” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/do's_don'ts_interviewing.htm
back to top
My Husband’s Boss is an Idiot
Q:
My husband, “Don”, is having problems with a recently acquired
boss. During 25 years as a sales representative, Don has
received numerous awards, including some on a national level.
His new manager has little experience, a poor
work ethic, and low past performance numbers, so it is
aggravating to have him evaluate my husband. We can’t figure
out why this guy was promoted in the first place.
Now the manager says that Don needs to start
planning his sales calls, but after 25 years, what is there to
plan? This is not rocket science. What can I do to help my
husband?
A:
This
manager may be a lightweight, but for now he's the boss, like it
or not. His position gives him the power to make your husband’s
life better or worse. That may not be fair, but it's a fact.
When a new
manager has a different work style than the previous one, the
adjustment is often difficult. Some employees act out their
animosity by becoming oppositional, but that's a big mistake.
Getting into a power struggle with the boss can be a quick
career killer.
So if this
manager wants more planning, Don would be wise to comply, as
long as the change won’t hurt customer relationships. Your
husband’s long experience actually could be somewhat
intimidating, so the new guy’s directives may be an attempt to
mask his own insecurity.
Don needs to
recognize that effectively “managing up” is a critical political
skill in every organization. He can vent his frustrations at
home, but at work he must act like a helpful and supportive
employee.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
§
“Strategies for Surviving a New Boss” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/surviving_new_boss.htm
§
“Understanding Work Style Differences” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/work_style_differences.htm
back to top
My Boss Says I Need Therapy
Q:
My extremely overweight woman boss keeps saying I have emotional
problems because I cry whenever she fusses at me. She thinks I
should see a doctor and take anxiety medication like she does.
I find this very
insulting. I don’t think it’s appropriate for her to diagnose
me just because she has an undergraduate degree in psychology.
I do see a psychiatrist for help with my issues, but I
shouldn’t have to share my personal medical history at work.
She and her
manager constantly tell me I’m doing a great job, so my
emotional state is not adversely affecting my work. How do I
get my boss to stop invading my privacy?
A:
Your manager’s
desire to play amateur psychologist is completely out of line.
You are under absolutely no obligation to discuss your "issues"
or treatment with her. To discourage such intrusive
conversations, you must politely refuse to respond.
The
next time your manager shifts into diagnostic mode, calmly state
“I appreciate your concern, but I’d really prefer not to talk
about that.” If she makes future attempts to assess your mental
health, just say "thanks for your opinion" and change the
subject.
This
strategy can only succeed if you avoid bringing up personal
topics yourself. So when talking to your boss, stay focused on
work. And since your crying seems to trigger these
interventions, try to keep your emotions in check.
Speaking of emotions, the "extremely
overweight woman
boss" comment sounds rather hostile. Since anger towards the
boss is never helpful, try to view your misguided manager as
having poor judgment, but good intentions. After all, she
continually praises your work, so she can't be all bad.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
“How to Complain
to Your Boss” at http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/how_to_complain_to_your_boss.htm
“Conflict
Management Skills” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/conflict_management_skills.htm
back to top
My Supervisor Wants Me to Lie
Q:
Our performance appraisal system requires supervisors to
schedule quarterly conferences with employees, but that’s never
happened in all the years I’ve worked here. On the annual
review form, my boss always lists the dates when our conferences
were supposed to happen, then asks me to sign it.
I have never been comfortable falsifying these
dates, but I don't know what to do. Should I just suck it up
and sign to keep my boss out of trouble? Or should I refuse and
risk becoming the target of retaliation?
Fortunately, I’ve never had a negative review. But if
I ever do, I know I won't have a leg to stand on if I keep
saying we had these conferences.
A: Forcing you to lie shows not only that your supervisor
is dishonest, but also that he’s a terrible manager. And he’s
definitely lodged you right between the proverbial rock and hard
place.
The safest solution is to seize the initiative
and schedule the conferences yourself. Put quarterly meetings
on your boss’s calendar, go with an agenda to discuss, and list
the dates for him at the end of the year.
Perhaps these meetings will turn out to be
productive. But if not, at least you will no longer be
certifying false information.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
“How to Handle
Your First Performance Review” at http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/first_performance_review.htm
“Ten Questions
to Ask During Your Performance Review” at
http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/performance_review_questions.htm
back to top
My Boss is Obsessed with
Religion
Q:
My boss is always quoting scripture at work. No matter what
problem we take to him, his answer is a Bible verse. It has
gotten so bad that employees hate to talk to him about
anything. One day, I finally told him to please quote policy
and procedures to me instead of quoting scriptures.
Since then,
our meetings have been somewhat awkward. Even though I’m a very
good employee, I get the feeling that now he doesn’t want me
here. But I need to stay in this job until I finish school.
How do you deal with a manager who talks about religion instead
of addressing work issues?
A:
Managers who bombard employees with their religious beliefs are
abusing the power of their position. People in secular
organizations should not feel that their spiritual values may
affect their performance reviews. I wonder how your boss would
react if his own manager constantly quoted the Koran or the
Torah.
Your
recourse in this situation depends on the size of the business.
In a larger company, the HR department will be concerned about
possible charges of religious discrimination, so you should take
your dilemma to them.
But
if you’re in a small business and the offensive manager is the
owner, then you’re pretty much out of luck. To remain employed,
you will need to control your irritation.
When
your boss answers policy questions with Biblical quotations,
listen politely, then say “I’m not sure that I understand the
company’s policy on that issue. Could you clarify it for me?”
And silently remind yourself that once you graduate, you will be
able to escape this proselytizing manager.
Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office
Coach:
