Wouldn’t it be a great professional world if all managers respected the employees they supervise? Let’s face it though: Some bosses do not understand what the word “respect” means. It’s unfortunate for them that they have so much to learn about being a leader and challenging for you if that person is who you report to.
The ways in which a supervisor can disrespect the employee they manage can show up in a multitude of ways. Some common examples include: speaking unfairly about you, denying you good job reviews that you’ve earned, denying you assignments that you are qualified to perform and that can help you grow, never giving you any positive recognition in staff meetings, and even verbally abusing you or demeaning you in other ways, such as sexual harassment.
If you have a boss like this, know that they are a person who believes that being a leader endows them with an indisputable right to reign supreme over others without apology. A leader who abuses you and denies you positive evaluations that you have worked hard to rightfully earn is adversely affecting your future too.
Sure, it’s good to have a regular paycheck; however, not at this great expense. The fact is you cannot, and should not, accept this level of behavior. For the sake of your sanity and career, it is imperative that you consider your options. Should you report this person to human resources or instead do everything in your power to leave the department and let time and circumstances deal with the manager in question?
Here are two key considerations to start:
- Consider filing a report with human resources. If your boss is sexually or otherwise harassing, berating, or verbally abusing you, let your HR department know. Be careful not to dismiss your concerns too soon. The results of you taking action may very well automatically have you shifted to work with a different manager within your department. Depending on the offense, the abusive supervisor could be out of a job almost instantly if you have the solid evidence to prove your claims.
- Consider leaving the department if the boss remains there. Taking this step may take a little more time. For example, in murkier circumstances where metrics can sometimes be subjective, such as your boss’s take on your job performance, you will have to be very methodical in documenting your claim.
Regardless, before you take any action steps to leave a bully boss, here are a few considerations in addition to documenting your work:
- Research other bosses in your company. Ask employees what other bosses are like and who the best are to work for. Then, apply for jobs in their departments if you like your company overall. Highlight on your resume the assignments you can prove you performed well, regardless of what your boss might say.
- Cast your net outside the company. Research other companies. Read employee reviews of the company and also seek out those organizations rated as the best places to work. Then, start applying.
- Network. Go to job fairs and professional association meetings. Connect with professionals in your field. They may apprise you of job opportunities in their companies or elsewhere and recommend you for positions.
- Update your resume respectfully and wisely choose your references. Even if your boss refused to give you credit for your work or has cast doubt on your ability, honor yourself by including all that you know you have accomplished. Make sure you have recommendations from people who will sing your praises to the moon and back. DO NOT include your boss on your resume. Then, apply to as many jobs as you can!
- Stay positive when speaking about your job to potential new employers. During job interviews or when speaking to potential employers and recruiters, keep the conversation positive. Focus on what you’ve done well with detailed examples. Provide a list of solid references who can give your interviewer a more balanced view of yourself and your work. Even if the company somehow reaches your boss, do not say anything negative or disparaging. Demonstrating decency goes a long way. Not only is the world small, but also any worthy company interested in hiring you will be able to see clearly that the problem is not with you.
Bottom line: Believe in yourself and your abilities, stay strong, and do everything in your power to move forward. We all deserve to work in a respectful professional environment that values who we are and what we bring to the organization.
