what is proper course of action if you are belittled by your boss in front of others

by Alicia Gerhold 3 min read

What should you do when you confront your boss?

Secondly, when you confront your boss, toss in a comment or a few sentences to reassure him that his better behavior won't make him seem weak in your eyes and also – very important! – that you're on his side.

What to do if your boss is acting unprofessionally?

Avoid looking nervous, insecure, or defeated. No matter what happens during your discussion stay strong and remain professional. Keep your chin up and do not give in to the pressure. When addressing your boss’ behavior, have specific examples ready of how they have acted unprofessionally.

Is it OK for a boss to swear in front of employees?

A fellow Forbes 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.

How do you know if your boss is intimidating?

Other examples of intimidating behavior include towering over you, invading your space, and giving intimidating looks. Some bosses spy on you or even stalk you. They may listen in on your private conversations, open your mail, or tamper with your personal belongings or your work equipment.

Why is it important to work well with your boss?

However, it’s important that employees work well with their boss, especially because the type of relationship you have is an important predictor ...

How to avoid further issues?

Check in regularly with your boss to avoid further issues. Now that both of your issues are out in the open, you can work toward finding a solution. Cenedella suggests asking your boss what you can do to make things better so together you can salvage the job and working relationship. From there, make regular one-on-one check-ins with your boss ...

What does Cenedella say about finding a job?

Cenedella advises that employees immediately begin to network and keep an eye on other opportunities. “It’s always easier to to find a job when you already have one,” he says. If the issues have gotten worse and your boss just doesn’t seem to like you, Cenedella has one simple piece of advice: quit. “Just quit.

What does Cenedella say about the back and forth?

Cenedella says that in order for you both to find a solution it’s important to focus solely on the details and your respective interpretations of the issue. “Discuss what you’ve heard and your reaction to it,” says Cenedella, “but don’t get into a back and forth.”.

The Situation

You are in charge of production at a furniture manufacturing company. Things are going relatively smoothly. Like any business, this one has its share of challenges. But overall, things seem to be going pretty well.

When Someone Humiliates You in Front of Others

In many workplaces, you wouldn’t think anything of a meeting like this. However, your boss has a history of throwing people under the bus — especially you! He publicly calls people out and criticizes them and their ideas. It’s as though he thinks he has all the answers and sees his direct reports as his pawns.

The boss blames me for everything

You have been shown up by the boss before, and fear that he’s ready to roast you again. It’s amazing how nothing is ever his fault. It is always yours — or occasionally someone else’s. You have to wonder, “Why am I still at this place? Why do I take his verbal abuse?”

How to Deal with Someone Who Humiliates You

Managers often feel that their boss puts them on the spot unnecessarily, or blames others when problems occur. Why do bosses do this? It may be because of a Q1 ego need to take a hard line and deflect blame onto others. It could also be Q2 apathetic, self-protective behavior that is willing to sacrifice others.

How to deal with a boss who can't address you?

Keep your confrontation free of emotion and anger. If you can’t address your boss in a calm manner, then you need to postpone confronting him.

What does a verbally abusive boss do?

They also may make offensive jokes at your expense. Verbally abusive bosses also make snide remarks or offer unfair criticism. And they have been known to ridicule and berate their employees on a regular basis.

Why is it important to identify workplace bullying?

But it is important to be able to identify workplace bullying because it can have significant consequences. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin.

Why do bullies want to see you succeed?

Your boss is a bully if he does any of the following things: Impedes your success: Remember, bullies do want to see you succeed because they will lose control over you. As a result, they may punish you for mistakes that are not yours or bring up past mistakes in order to shift blame during a discussion.

Why do bullies gossip?

As a result, they may gossip with others about your work, your appearance, your health or your personal life. Sometimes, they even lie about you in order to damage your reputation.

What does it mean when a boss questions your adequacy?

Questions your adequacy and your commitment: Bosses that bully questions your adequacy by belittling your opinions and ideas. This behavior may take place in private or in front of others. They also may blame you for problems at work while boasting that their skills are responsible for good outcomes.

What are some examples of intimidating behavior?

They also might make threatening gestures or threaten to physically harm you. Other examples of intimidating behavior include towering over you, invading your space, and giving intimidating looks.

Why should empathy, integrity, self-control, and appreciation be promoted in the workplace?

Traits like empathy, integrity, self-control, and appreciation should be promoted in the workplace to maintain discipline and peace in a workplace which will help employees to work effectively and efficiently for the growth of an organization.

What is the best way to deal with unbearable behavior?

Disciplinary procedures. This is also a very important step that you can take to cope up with such employees. In the case of unbearable behavior from such employees, you should report them to authorities that can be HR managers or CEO. This is important as such procedures help them to stop such employees from misbehaving with other employees.

Why is it important to handle disrespectful employees?

It is important to handle disrespectful employees for maintaining the workplace discipline. Such employees and their negative traits affect the overall productivity of other employees. Tolerating and ignoring such behavior is not the solution as such disrespectful employee continues to have such behavior because nobody stops them from doing it.

What is disrespectful tone?

Inappropriate Tone. Disrespectful employees are verbally abusive and they use harsh and inappropriate words for other employees which sparks argument. It includes demeaning and insulting statements, shouting, throwing things while talking, and hostile tone. An employee is disrespecting by keeping a harsh tone.

How to help employees who are disrespectful?

You can help them by taking follow up on their behavior in working hours. They should be pointed out for verbally abusing or disrespecting an employee right at the moment they are doing that so that they can work to not to repeat their behavior next time. Try to tell them politely three to four times but still if they repeat such behavior, then confront them and report them to HR or CEO so that they can further assist you to tackle such employees.

How do you treat people?

If you choose to be a role model for every employee then you can help such disrespectful employees to adopt your attitude so that they can treat other employees respectfully (the same way) and via this, you can help out such disrespectful employees. You can prevent such attitude only by setting a good example in front of others and showing positive and good traits to disrespectful employees so that they change their attitudes towards other employees. Traits like empathy, integrity, self-control, and appreciation should be promoted in the workplace to maintain discipline and peace in a workplace which will help employees to work effectively and efficiently for the growth of an organization.

Why should disrespectful behavior not be tolerated?

Disrespectful behavior should not be tolerated in the workplace as it gives rise to serious consequences such as an unpleasant environment, decreased productivity, and inefficient performance of employees. While confronting such employees ...

1. You Could Talk to Your Boss

If your relationship prior to this point was amicable, then initiating a real, face-to-face conversation might not be out of the question.

2. You Could Send an Email

If you deem the situation so fraught with tension, skip the in-person conversation in favor of a medium that’ll, among other things, serve to document the unpleasant situation.

3. You Could Speak to a Team Member

Let’s say you’ve tried discussing this with your boss and nothing’s changed. He called you an “idiot” for asking a question that was crucial to doing your job. He claims to have said it in jest, but whether or not it’s true, you’re not OK with it.

4. You Could Pay a Visit to HR

This is a biggie, I know. Given the number of human resources departments that aren’t well-managed, figuring out if yours is one you can trust is tricky. And I don’t advise you to take this step if you’re truly uncertain.

What is considered harassment in the workplace?

Harassment in the workplace can also consist of other actions regarding religion, race, age, gender, or skin color, for example. Actions involving these subject matter areas qualify as harassment if they interfere with an employee's success or create a hostile work environment.

Why is it important to understand harassment?

It's important to understand harassment in the workplace because it can affect you and impact your career in different ways. Knowing what constitutes harassment can help you spot it and handle it if it happens to you, or even better, help you prevent it from happening in the first place. This includes recognizing what qualifies as harassment, ...

What is non-sexual harassment?

Non-sexual harassment can include offensive language regarding a person's physical or mental disabilities or differences. Pointing out or continually alluding that someone's too fat, too old, or too stupid can be deemed as harassment. Creating a hostile work environment is considered harassment.

How to survive a layoff?

The best way to survive a layoff involves first, finding out about any benefits to which you are entitled, by speaking with your employer's human resources department. You should also be informed about your employee rights, during a layoff, so you know what you should expect when you lose your job.

Do companies have to have policies on harassment?

Companies are required by law to have policies in place for educating employees on workplace harassment. However, harassment can still occur and should be recognized and dealt with properly. Protect yourself and your career by learning about the various types of harassment, your rights, and the proper process for handling an occurrence.

Can sexual harassment occur between co-workers?

Sexual harassment does not have to occur between co-workers of the opposite sex. It's also not limited to touching or spoken words. Obscene images and videos, emails, and even staring in a suggestive manner can be deemed offensive.

Do you have to know the facts before filing a harassment claim?

Before you file the claim, educate yourself to ensure that the incident actually counts as harassment. For various reasons, people make many false claims of harassment. Therefore, you must know the facts and correct steps needed to file a claim.

What do managers need to communicate?

Managers need to communicate expectations clearly. They should give employees the resources, budgets, deadlines, training and support they need to complete an assignment with distinction. Managers should ask workers to repeat the instructions they receive to insure they fully understand the assigned tasks.

What can we learn from missed goals?

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.

Does a boss discriminate against employees?

A great boss will never discriminate, and will never make an employee feel vulnerable, directly or indirectly, as the result of their gender, religious or political affiliation or race. Behavior such as this, if not illegal, is boorish.

Is it okay to swear at an employee?

A fellow Forbes 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.