Ask the Employment Specialist: I think I’m Being Bullied by my Boss

Dear Joanna,

I feel that I am being bullied by my boss over the past two years. I love my work and team, but this manager is making our lives miserable and we are losing faith in this leader and organization. However, I am unclear if it is my behaviour that is instigating this negativity or if it is the manager to blame.

Could you explain the aspects of a bad manager so that I can clarify my situation at my place of employment.

Signed: Unclear re Boss

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Dear Unclear,

Research has shown that employees tend to leave managers, rather than organizations. She reports on the following top eight bad management or leadership behaviours, which I will describe to help you evaluate the situation with your manager:

1. Failing to listen to staff.

Does this manager listen to you and your team? Do they care about what you say or pay attention to the concerns, issues, successes and challenges that you or your team members raise?

A good leader will know what their staff are doing, take time to listen when staff need help or support, and “go to bat for them whenever necessary”.

2. Failing to embrace and utilize your talents.

You and each of your team members have strengths and talents that they bring to the company. Does this boss take time to discuss these qualities with you and how you want to utilize these talents and how you can help improve your work and organization?

Good leaders engage their team members in work that compliments their talents and brings value to the project and organization.

3. Failing to show appreciation.

Has your boss ever taken time to acknowledge or thank you for your efforts, successes and contributions?

Good leaders take the time to do this. Acknowledging good work builds loyalty and empowerment in a team, and increase their determination to do their best work. Failing to acknowledge a team will drive down performance and effort eventually harming the progress of the organization.

4. Withholding information.

How well is your boss communicating with you? Do they keep you informed of issues in the department? When you need answers, does the manager give you straight answers or unclear, non-specific and indirect responses? Does the manager collect the facts before making a judgment and decision?

Bad managers withhold information and cut off valuable communication to the team. Good leaders answer directly and are not afraid to communicate positive or negative information. Failing to communicate this way results in mistrust, and poor performance that harms the organization.

6. Being a Blocker.

Does your manager demand that all information, content, ideas, suggestions, proposals, and so on, end with you? Do they block team members’ access to higher level management, or deny them an opportunity to assist them in presenting their ideas to higher level management?

Good leaders encourage their team to share their talents and accomplishments with the entire organization.

7. Holding grudges.

How does this manager handle disagreement or criticism by a team member? Do these situations turn into conflicts and grudges? If so, this is not leadership behaviour.

Good leaders welcome feedback from their team members, knowing the importance of allowing everyone a voice.

8. Bullying.

Does this manager talk down to you or use a condescending tone? Do they show disrespect and may even shame you in public? Employees who are bullied will do everything possible to avoid this type of manager. Avoidance leads to poor communication, lack of motivation, loss of productivity and an organization heading for ruin.

Good leaders are approachable and respected by the staff. They are the go-to person for their team’s issues and concerns in order to have a strong and successful organization.

Good luck with your boss. I hope this helps!

Joanna