by Maria C Collins

Created on: May 16, 2010

Bad manners are difficult to cope with at any time. The worst situation of all is in the workplace when your superior is being rude to you. Some superiors believe that they just because they have a particular job title they may treat people in any way that they choose. Some bad managers believe that such treatment increases productivity. Others feel insecure in their jobs. It does not matter why they do it the problem is that they do. It is difficult to deal with it but you can cope with it.

Do not be tempted to answer the boss back, by doing so you leave yourself open to the charge that your own rudeness initiated the situation between you. Do not allow his rudeness to rattle you. Always treat your superior with the respect that his job title deserves even if you cannot respect the person. Be kind too, so that your behaviour is beyond reproach. Maintain a positive attitude and continue to be nice.

Think about the situation; is your manager rude to other workers or only to you? If he is rude only to you, perhaps your own behaviour brought the situation about. By being polite and kind to him, you may turn the situation around. It may be that your supervisor feels threatened by you for some reason. It may be that he likes you and his behaviour is an attempt at a rather silly joke. In any case being polite, respectful and kind to him will alter the way he reacts to you.

If you feel that you can, ask to speak to him and ask him why he is so rude to you. Do not lose your temper. It might be wise to take a witness with you so that you can prove later that you acted properly.

If he is rude to other workers too, perhaps he believes that he can treat employees that way. Keep a diary of incidents, dated, timed, with details of what happened and signed witness statements. This behaviour can amount to bullying and your diary will be useful evidence should workers wish to take the matter further. If you are a member of a trade union, your union representative will help and advise you further. If not, your company should have a written bullying or harassment policy. You can take the matter up with or with Human Resources.  

If the insults become racial, sexist or otherwise out of control, this behaviour is illegal in many countries. If you believe that your supervisor is bullying you, for the above, or any other reason, follow the procedure above and log all incidents.

If your supervisor continues to be rude to you, it may be time to look around for another job, whilst you still have the current one. Then you can have the satisfaction of giving your notice to this rude supervisor.

It is difficult to deal with a rude boss but how you deal with the situation will reflect on you for good or ill. Ensure that your own behaviour cannot be questioned treat your superior with respect, good manners, even when he is rude to you. It is sensible to act on the situation and not to allow it to continue. By examining the situation and dealing with it in the appropriate way, you will feel better about it.

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