A bad boss can really crap all over your work experience

Peg · Post by **Peg** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:57 pm

I have the type of boss who if you show him your boobs you can get away with murder. I choose to let my hard work speak for me. Well, we have one girl who will yell at customers, refuse to do much of anything, etc. but it is okay because she shows and I suspect gives the boss what he wants. Frustrating as hell. Anyways, he was in the bar with her and her friend the other night. He grabbed both their boobs and her friend's crotch. He claimed today that he does not remember anything from that night. I'm kicking myself for not saying anything but I know it wouldn't do any good anyways.:-5

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:06 pm

Snooze, from your description, it seems like her boss agrees with you, otherwise he wouldn't have given you the time of day.

Document, document, document, and use the system. Huge bureaucracies move slow, but you as a team can make her life more aggravating than she can make yours.

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:34 pm

my squad's immediate 'commandant', a Col., was reducing morale so badly we felt it was actually dangerous to us. i thought, ideally, that morale would be an important function of the leader of a paramilitary organization. nope, he was vicious. treated us like dirt. finally our new sheriff, jan. 2005, took an anonymous survey about our feelings about our leadership. soon after, this jerkwad was relegated to a small office in the jail annex, where he couldn't bother anybody. what cracks me up is Bothwell was here, we went up to the offices so i could introduce him to the new sheriff, and the Col. wandered in and acted like i was his best friend....Bothwell looked at me like i was crazy, how could i say bad things about this sweet guy???? :rolleyes: they know when/where to suck up.

Wolverine · Post by **Wolverine** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:36 pm

SnoozeControl wrote: My boss is an idiot. She's always accusatory, she takes things personally and flies off the handle, she's completely incompetent and couldn't do my job if her life depended on it, and her communication and people skills are non-existent. She'll send out emails loaded with typos and poor grammar. She fawns all over male upper-management, yet treats her employees like dog turds. She wears too much make-up and looks like she just bit into a lemon.

The lead in my area is a personal friend of hers that feels the need to eavesdrop on conversations and report it all directly back to the boss. Several of my co-workers and I have been called into her office to discuss our bad attitudes and to tell us we can find new jobs if we don't like it there.

Anyway, today HER boss came over and talked to each of us individually to see what the problem was since we have a very productive area with some really great workers. He told me he had been hearing only kudos about me from quite a few people until my boss started bending his ear about what a bad attitude I have. I explained about a "company spy" in our midst, and he asked what would improve scheduling... to which I replied "get rid of Sue." He spent hours talking to each of us, and it sounds like we all agree... the boss is a complete failure.

My big pet peeve about this is, we spend 9 hours with our co-workers a day. We're entitled to discuss things that are bothering us. If we didn't, we'd most likely make ourselves ill from holding it all in. We certainly don't need to whisper or pull someone outside just to tell them something privately because there's someone on the other side of the partition taking notes. We all get our work done, we cover for anyone that needs help or might be absent and we all get along with each other great. When did this ****ing job become a prison sentence?
welcome to Corporate America, ya big mook.

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 3:35 am

I came home from Georgia with my new job already in place. I was so excited. It hasnt been going to well... to say the least. I hate going to work in the morning. The owner of my company told me last Friday that my creative mind frightens him.

He also said that I am not supposed to have any self confidence. ( Figure that one out) My position is managing a retail garden center, and greenhouses. The man who has been doing the job is retiring in June, after 18 years. Our sales right now total about 350,000.00 per year. Thats a lot of plants!! We not only sell them, we propagate and grow them. I had put together an advertising proposal for this coming year. It made him angry. I receive a percentage of the gross sales. You would think that that is an incentive to maintain and increase sales. Right?

Wrong. He said the only thing he is interested in is production. So all this week I stood at a pile of dirt planting cuttings for 8 hours a day. He has people there that he pays 7.50 an hour to do this job. I havent spent 30 years in my field only to aspire to be a production worker. I am confused, embarassed and miserable. Its Ok though.... I already put a resumee in the mail Monday morning to a new company in the area looking for a landscape designer/sales person. This guy is a controlling twisted sicko. He doesnt have any respect for women having brains, and he wants you to grovel to him. He will be in for a rude awakening when the present manager leaves, and I do also. I paid my dues my whole life.. in this business. I am not egotistical or power hungry. But my God... he examined my resumee.. interviewed me twice for over 2 hours each time... what is this nuts problem? No, work is not supposed to be a prison sentence. It is supposed to be a place where you spend your precious time... earning a living.. using all of the tools and talents you have to do a job you are proud of. Employers have a responsibility to build morale, and self esteem. And they have anobligation to be grateful for dedicated workers who come their way. Thats my utopian outlook.

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 4:03 am

weeder wrote: I came home from Georgia with my new job already in place. I was so excited. It hasnt been going to well... to say the least. I hate going to work in the morning. The owner of my company told me last Friday that my creative mind frightens him.

He also said that I am not supposed to have any self confidence. ( Figure that one out) My position is managing a retail garden center, and greenhouses. The man who has been doing the job is retiring in June, after 18 years. Our sales right now total about 350,000.00 per year. Thats a lot of plants!! We not only sell them, we propagate and grow them. I had put together an advertising proposal for this coming year. It made him angry. I receive a percentage of the gross sales. You would think that that is an incentive to maintain and increase sales. Right?

Wrong. He said the only thing he is interested in is production. So all this week I stood at a pile of dirt planting cuttings for 8 hours a day. He has people there that he pays 7.50 an hour to do this job. I havent spent 30 years in my field only to aspire to be a production worker. I am confused, embarassed and miserable. Its Ok though.... I already put a resumee in the mail Monday morning to a new company in the area looking for a landscape designer/sales person. This guy is a controlling twisted sicko. He doesnt have any respect for women having brains, and he wants you to grovel to him. He will be in for a rude awakening when the present manager leaves, and I do also. I paid my dues my whole life.. in this business. I am not egotistical or power hungry. But my God... he examined my resumee.. interviewed me twice for over 2 hours each time... what is this nuts problem? No, work is not supposed to be a prison sentence. It is supposed to be a place where you spend your precious time... earning a living.. using all of the tools and talents you have to do a job you are proud of. Employers have a responsibility to build morale, and self esteem. And they have anobligation to be grateful for dedicated workers who come their way. Thats my utopian outlook.

It's a Smart manager that keeps their workers happy, and morially upbeat. I used to have 177 people working for me. Many of them with all kinds of problems, & personal situations complicating their lives. My motto although it was corney, but true, was: "A HAPPY CREW IS A PRODUCTIVE CREW"! And sure enough "I worked hard" at making my people working for me feel respected, usefull, & have meaning in their jobs. Most all of them were at least content, if not happy. My section "always' met our schedule deadlines, even beating them sometimes!

So Snooze's mgr seems like a loser, so just hang in there Snooze, & eventually "her" mgr will wise up!

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 4:33 am

The thing that really gets me is that when I was an employer I saw it as an opportunity. To have the people working for me experience working in a pleasant, stress free enviorment. I encouraged independant thinking, rewarded loyalty and commitment. Praised a task well done. Tried to inspire each persons to do better. I knew they wouldnt be with me forever. I wanted them to remember the experience during their time with me as a positive one. I hate it when I hear about situations like the one snooze is in. And I cant believe that I find myself in bondage as well. Its Ok when the victims of a tormented work enviorment have the skills necessary to change the situation. But how sad for those who dont.

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 5:46 am

SnoozeControl wrote: Sounds pretty similiar to my boss, Weeder. She's got three buildings, three slightly different (scheduling) workloads that she supervises, but our money all goes into/out of the same pot, so we're slightly competitive with each other as far as production goes. She actually had the nerve to say while "counseling" one of us problem children that she was tired of our area always being held up for applause. What?!?

LC... I really like that expression you used... reducing morale. If anything's a kneejerk reaction where I work, its using the term "morale." I think I'll mention that.

This ****'s getting to me, I slept terribly last night.
Same Scenario Snooze... My owner has a wholesale location. He hires me to run the retail location. But now hes scared to death I might be something more than a robot... prepared to make him and his twisted oulooks my mentor in life. Its horrible. Yesterday, he and the manager who is leaving were having a meeting discussing plans for the property. I should have been standing there with them. But because I know he doesnt want any contributions from me... I ignored them, and went home. I really dont know what his problem is.. but Im too old to deal with it at this point in my life. I think the writing is on the wall. We both made a mistake choosing each other. I just pray to God that I hear from this other company. At this point Id rather do factory work and give my brain a rest than to deal with this man. The sad part is that this morning I have an appointment to visit a property on my own time. To do a landscape plan to sell his product. Good for him... good for me. He doesnt even know. I wish I could just cancel the appointment. Thats called killing morale. IMBECILE!!!

pantsonfire321@aol.com · Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:26 am

Give some people authority and they think they can rule the world . I had a boss once who was a complete tosser now this was a long time ago but it still makes me mad . I was in an office with about 4/ 5 colleagues an we were larking around .Some where smoking and there was the odd swear word being thrown around. At one point one of the lads pinched my bottom and i laughed and said" oi **** off "and thought nothing more of it . About two hours later my big boss came in to the room i was working in and told me to go straight to his office ,he slamed the door behind me and said to me " who the **** do you think you are" i said " sorry i dont follow " he said " who the **** do you think you are swearing in the office " i was dumbfounded thinking hangon whats going on - then remembered the pinch,so i said " hey the guy pinched my bottom i reacted and said pissoff at no time was any of it taken seriously we were just larking around and every one was swearing " so he said " if it happens again you will be suspened instantly" so i said " hang on this guy can pinch my arse but im not allowed to say anything back, i call that indecent assult " so he said to me " he can do what he likes hes been here a lot longer than you " i was just a probationer and that was just the beginning of a lot of **** i had to put up with that lasted what seemed like forever . Just one of many many incidents ... and they say you should have respect for police officers.

venus · Post by **venus** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:52 am

Ok guys here go my two pennies worth,

If it sucks try and change it and if you can t get out..

No job is worth your emotional and creative health..

There will be others out there who will love to have hard motivated workers out thee..

Like lc said they are killing morale and no one wants to spend 8/9/10 hrs a day somewhere they really dont want to be...

I know that if you put your mind and heart into it you will come up with somethig..

Oh and peg hunni is the boss married...maybe a little proof and a word in his ear about the risk of the wife finding out might mellow him. You dont want to cause trouble just get respected and have all employees treated fairly.

you didnt read that lc it was just a figment of your imagination.....

Lil~Basco · Post by **Lil~Basco** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 8:14 am

I had a female boss once that had an attitude like you wouldn't believe. I was one of 15 of her employees in retail sales. While dealing with customers, she pulled me aside and tells me that I talk to them too much, just make the sale and send them on their way. I explained to her that the more attention given to a customer, the better the sale will be. I chose not to change the way I delt with customers and it infuriated her.

One day she called me back by her office and stuck her finger in my face, screaming at me, demanded to head her warnings. I smiled, laughed slightly, placed my arm around her shoulders, gave her a little hug and whispered to her...."maybe if you got laid you'd be a happy camper!" She was aghast, to say the least! After that...she left me alone and never bothered me with trivial stuff. Sales soared in her store and the numbers were all that mattered to her.

I applied for another job as a manager at another store a few months later, which I got hired for. She was in tears when I gave her my notice to quit. She told me that she really liked me, respected me for being outspoken and really disliked seeing me go. About a month after I left, she also was transplanted to another store in Ohio because sales fell when I left. Numbers count! IMO....I'd never stay in a job that made me dread going to it everyday.

Jives · Post by **Jives** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 10:51 am

At most schools, the teacher's lounge is a hotbed of gossip and maliciousness towards not only other teachers, but the students as well.

As a mentor teacher, I tell my proteges to stay away, and for my own sake as well, I avoid the lounge like the plague.

When I didn't know any better, many years ago, I used to hang out there. And like others, I occasionally complained about things that were bothering me Boy, was I ever surprised when the Adminstrator found out everything.

These days, I just keep away and my life is infinitely more calm.

:-2

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:53 pm

In my previous job, I had to boss of all bosses from HE**!!!!! She would do ANYTHING to make her assistants (yes, I said assistantS) look bad! She went through 5 assistants in 4 years time. She had REAL management/authority issues. But she was so clever, she'd turn it around to make it look like it was all the assistant. I once went to our director & told her it was either my boss or me. My director's words to me were, "Well, I'll give you a good reference." I asked her why she'd keep my boss, knowing her rep & work ethics. She said, "Welllll, she's been here longer....". BIG DEAL!!! It got to the point where I'd have quit & worked at McDonald's just to be rid of her! The director eventually called in HR on me over an innocent funny email (that was forwarded to me) that I sent to her, thinking she'd think it was funny too. I ended up in tears & determined to find another job & get out of there. The next week, my current boss called & asked if I was still interested in a position, which I'd forgotten I'd even applied for. I said yes, got the interview (which was very difficult, since my self-esteem had been CRUSHED) & the rest is history!

The thing was, when I went for the interview with this woman (my former "boss"), I got bad vibes, but had to get out of my previous job. I should've listened to my instinct. Everybody knew her reputation, but nobody warned me.

In the end, I'm so much happier here! I work with a great bunch of people. My boss is very fair. He'll let you know if you're doing good or bad. And the others & I all joke around, as well as the boss. I'll never be sorry!

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 2:25 pm

Lil~Basco wrote: I had a female boss once that had an attitude like you wouldn't believe. I was one of 15 of her employees in retail sales. While dealing with customers, she pulled me aside and tells me that I talk to them too much, just make the sale and send them on their way. I explained to her that the more attention given to a customer, the better the sale will be. I chose not to change the way I delt with customers and it infuriated her.

One day she called me back by her office and stuck her finger in my face, screaming at me, demanded to head her warnings. I smiled, laughed slightly, placed my arm around her shoulders, gave her a little hug and whispered to her...."maybe if you got laid you'd be a happy camper!" She was aghast, to say the least! After that...she left me alone and never bothered me with trivial stuff. Sales soared in her store and the numbers were all that mattered to her.

I applied for another job as a manager at another store a few months later, which I got hired for. She was in tears when I gave her my notice to quit. She told me that she really liked me, respected me for being outspoken and really disliked seeing me go. About a month after I left, she also was transplanted to another store in Ohio because sales fell when I left. Numbers count! IMO....I'd never stay in a job that made me dread going to it everyday.

I like your "style" Lil,

and also your new Avitar too!

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 4:13 pm

Lil~Basco wrote: I had a female boss once that had an attitude like you wouldn't believe. I was one of 15 of her employees in retail sales. While dealing with customers, she pulled me aside and tells me that I talk to them too much, just make the sale and send them on their way. I explained to her that the more attention given to a customer, the better the sale will be. I chose not to change the way I delt with customers and it infuriated her.

One day she called me back by her office and stuck her finger in my face, screaming at me, demanded to head her warnings. I smiled, laughed slightly, placed my arm around her shoulders, gave her a little hug and whispered to her...."maybe if you got laid you'd be a happy camper!" She was aghast, to say the least! After that...she left me alone and never bothered me with trivial stuff. Sales soared in her store and the numbers were all that mattered to her.

I applied for another job as a manager at another store a few months later, which I got hired for. She was in tears when I gave her my notice to quit. She told me that she really liked me, respected me for being outspoken and really disliked seeing me go. About a month after I left, she also was transplanted to another store in Ohio because sales fell when I left. Numbers count! IMO....I'd never stay in a job that made me dread going to it everyday.I agree thats why Ive already started to investigate new employment. The workin class spends more time at work then they do at home. It is not possible to live being miserable about going to work.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 5:18 pm

Your boss sucks ! Why I outta !

snowman · Post by **snowman** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 7:02 am

Just found this thread, and it is such a coincidence that I am going through the same thing right now. It actually makes me feel a little better knowing that I am not the only one going through this sort of thing right now.

And, my supervisor is a woman.....I beat myself up thinking that just because she is female, that shouldn't be the problem.....

I work for a government agency. There are 4 of us who are instructors teaching employees in a 2 week course on heavy equipment. We all put our hearts into our job, follow the protocol, and go above and beyond. But, to our supervisor, we are a bunch of lackers.

I too, am too the point where I do not enjoy going to work everyday. Once that happens, I have to make a change. I am bringing my problems home with me, which has to stop. If I could last another 12 years, I would be set pension and insurance wise for the rest of my life. People I talk to about this say I am crazy to throw that away. But....I'll never make it.

Now, the next problem for me, is my location. I live in a very rural area where there is just no work. I am going to have to travel quite far to find something equal to what I have now as far as pay. But...I am on a mission - I refuse to be treated the way I am now.

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 7:20 am

snowman wrote: Just found this thread, and it is such a coincidence that I am going through the same thing right now. It actually makes me feel a little better knowing that I am not the only one going through this sort of thing right now.

And, my supervisor is a woman.....I beat myself up thinking that just because she is female, that shouldn't be the problem.....

I work for a government agency. There are 4 of us who are instructors teaching employees in a 2 week course on heavy equipment. We all put our hearts into our job, follow the protocol, and go above and beyond. But, to our supervisor, we are a bunch of lackers.

I too, am too the point where I do not enjoy going to work everyday. Once that happens, I have to make a change. I am bringing my problems home with me, which has to stop. If I could last another 12 years, I would be set pension and insurance wise for the rest of my life. People I talk to about this say I am crazy to throw that away. But....I'll never make it.

Now, the next problem for me, is my location. I live in a very rural area where there is just no work. I am going to have to travel quite far to find something equal to what I have now as far as pay. But...I am on a mission - I refuse to be treated the way I am now.

Having dealt with an "abusive" female boss, I know I wouldn't be able to last another 12 days, much less 12 years!! But you are in kind of a predicament. Is there another department you could transfer to? Is there anyone above her you could talk to? Do you have co-workers who would back you up? My only alternative was the first one... move to another department... or in my case, another campus, altogether. I would've quit & worked at McDonald's to get away from her & her mental abuse. And as far aw taking it home... I know EXACTLY what you're saying! I'd have a bad day at work & take it out on my poor daughter later, when I got home. Wasn't fair for her & I knew it.

It's really a shame they're allowed to treat us like that, ya know??

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 7:20 am

snowman wrote: Just found this thread, and it is such a coincidence that I am going through the same thing right now. It actually makes me feel a little better knowing that I am not the only one going through this sort of thing right now.

And, my supervisor is a woman.....I beat myself up thinking that just because she is female, that shouldn't be the problem.....

I work for a government agency. There are 4 of us who are instructors teaching employees in a 2 week course on heavy equipment. We all put our hearts into our job, follow the protocol, and go above and beyond. But, to our supervisor, we are a bunch of lackers.

I too, am too the point where I do not enjoy going to work everyday. Once that happens, I have to make a change. I am bringing my problems home with me, which has to stop. If I could last another 12 years, I would be set pension and insurance wise for the rest of my life. People I talk to about this say I am crazy to throw that away. But....I'll never make it.

Now, the next problem for me, is my location. I live in a very rural area where there is just no work. I am going to have to travel quite far to find something equal to what I have now as far as pay. But...I am on a mission - I refuse to be treated the way I am now.

Having dealt with an "abusive" female boss, I know I wouldn't be able to last another 12 days, much less 12 years!! But you are in kind of a predicament. Is there another department you could transfer to? Is there anyone above her you could talk to? Do you have co-workers who would back you up? My only alternative was the first one... move to another department... or in my case, another campus, altogether. I would've quit & worked at McDonald's to get away from her & her mental abuse. And as far aw taking it home... I know EXACTLY what you're saying! I'd have a bad day at work & take it out on my poor daughter later, when I got home. Wasn't fair for her & I knew it.

It's really a shame they're allowed to treat us like that, ya know?? Funny how the majority are females, huh???

snowman · Post by **snowman** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 3:40 pm

observer1 wrote: Having dealt with an "abusive" female boss, I know I wouldn't be able to last another 12 days, much less 12 years!! But you are in kind of a predicament. Is there another department you could transfer to? Is there anyone above her you could talk to? Do you have co-workers who would back you up? My only alternative was the first one... move to another department... or in my case, another campus, altogether. I would've quit & worked at McDonald's to get away from her & her mental abuse. And as far aw taking it home... I know EXACTLY what you're saying! I'd have a bad day at work & take it out on my poor daughter later, when I got home. Wasn't fair for her & I knew it.

It's really a shame they're allowed to treat us like that, ya know?? Funny how the majority are females, huh???

A predicament for sure. I've tried to transfer and/or bid out of where I am at, but everything is tied up right now, and in the foreseeable future. I've even bid on a job that I used to do in the same organization (a pay grade less), and still can't make a move.

My co-workers and I are definitely all together on this (there are 4 of us) - we all say that it has to stop. We are in a union employment, so that might be our next move. I've never had to "use" my union for anything before - and I hate the prospects of it. But, we are all together on this, so maybe that should be our next move.

It just happened again today - we all received an email from her that we will not be able to take any days off when we are in our "production" so to speak unless we are sick or have an emergency. WTF?? I currently have accumulated 45 vacation days, 4 personal days, and 109 sick days. In 9 years I have used only 2 sick days (really sick), and have NEVER called off work. Then I get this?

But, we have this in writing, so we might have a start.

I just keep asking myself, "who does she think she is?"

I'm starting to submit some resumes, but where I live there is very little or no work. I keep telling myself that things will change for the better soon, but it has been a little over 2 years now like this - I just refuse to live my life like this!

Thanks for you comments and listening - it really does help!;)

snowman · Post by **snowman** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 6:20 pm

Have you been written up formally for anything? You or any of your other fellow "slackers" ??? and I use that term jokingly at this point....

No one has been written up - just a constant "verbal" reprimand.

Was this bos always over you? if so why is this just now coming out? What changed? Is she a new boss to you or to being a boss in general...

I've been with the organization for over 9 years. I bid and was awarded my current job about 2 years ago - different location and supervisor. Coincidentally, she received her supervisory position about a month before I was awarded mine. Her position was attained by law suit of some kind (could be some hear-say in that statement - no proof)

What behavior do you think shes see and considers "slacker behavior"????

It seems that it is men in general. I've heard her talk on the with male department managers and she always sounds very offensive

I just got off the phone with one of my co-workers, and we are putting a plan together - we have the right to have a union-management meeting once a month, which we never had - we just decided that it is time.

I usually am very good at not letting it affect my home life, but I slipped for a couple days last week. I absolutely relish my family and home life. My wife and I always have a short talk about our work day over supper - then get on with our great lives at home.

Thanks for your input - most appreciated!

Lil~Basco · Post by **Lil~Basco** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 10:38 am

snowman wrote: No one has been written up - just a constant "verbal" reprimand.

It seems that it is men in general. I've heard her talk on the with male department managers and she always sounds very offensive

I just got off the phone with one of my co-workers, and we are putting a plan together - we have the right to have a union-management meeting once a month, which we never had - we just decided that it is time.

It'll be interesting to learn what plan of action that you and your co-workers came up with and acted upon. Verbal reprimands are hard to prove....Far's right, to confront her and have her put it in writing. If you belong to a union, IMO this should be brought to their attention, what you are dealing with. Without anyone standing up to her, she will be able to do what she does and get away with it. Hope things improve for you!

snowman · Post by **snowman** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 5:48 pm

Yep - all helps - thanks.

We are all "towing the line" everyday at work - following policy to the "T" for sure.

We do have policies and procedures to be followed, including like you say with the union - very good advice you are giving.

I've said to my co-workers "be careful what you ask for" as in pushing this - it could turn around to bite us - but....it can't get any worse than it is now.

PM sent to explain further....

Thank you for your input - advise well taken!