Are you afraid to talk to your boss?

For the past few weeks I have written about customer service and bad bosses —  and the feedback has been excellent.

It seems I’ve been writing the very words that people want to desperately say to their co-workers and bosses — but are just too afraid to do so.    

Someone in a managerial position told me she was going to clip out last week’s article and place it on someone’s desk claiming I had hit the nail right on the head. I suppose that’s the next best thing to having to speak with someone face to face.  

It baffles me that as humans we can laugh together, cry together, have heated discussions together (as long as we’re in a group with others who support our views), but when it comes to getting something off one’s chest directly to a particular person, fear rears its ugly head. In essence, we are afraid of each other.  

If I have an issue with someone, I will speak directly to that person clearly, and as tactfully as I can. Although I’m very sensitive to others’ feelings,  I don’t consume myself with what they might think, or what they might do, or how they might react. I refuse to allow the annoyance and aggravation of another person deprive me of energy I could be using in other ways.

So here’s a message to bosses: First and foremost, treat your employees with respect. Now before an employee blurts out an “ah-ha” over that statement, let me say that the same thing applies to you.  Bosses, your employees are there to help make your business or company you work for run effectively.  Just because you have the ‘big cheese’ title doesn’t give you the right to treat people like gum under your shoe. Recognize the worth of your staff and every now and then, let them know, even individually, how much you appreciate them.  People want to know they are respected and valued.  

Bosses, draw the line between your role as supervisor and friend to your employee. Other staff can quickly determine who you like and dislike. And those kinds of friendships at work cause a serious breach in trust. Your employees will be wary about coming to you to share information — and it could be information that needs to be dealt with.  

A few weeks ago, I asked, via Facebook, how much time you spend with your co-workers after work.  Just about everyone replied quite emphatically that they spent no time at all with co-workers after hours. Is that a good thing, or not? It’s up to the boss to make sure that the workplace is harmonious, clean and exudes a tone of respect for all. Employees — ditch the sense of entitlement. Remember what you’re there for – and do your job to the best of your ability. 

 Both bosses and their staff should remember that  your unemployed peers would be happy to take your place at any time. n

Shawnette Somner is an educator and mother.  Email: [email protected]