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Do You Need Career Advice? |
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'Ask Madisen' Your Career Development & Career Change Questions |
| Experiencing a career transition, suffering a case of, "I hate my job", confused about your life purpose or having problems a work? Here's your chance to 'Ask Madisen' for free career advice. |
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Hey Madisen
I work in retail and my Sales Manager has left the company and I now report to the General Manager. He enters our offices and starts screaming, ranting and raving. This guy is constantly in a bad mood and everybody’s confidence and enthusiasm has taken a dive.
What can I do? The tone of the office has changed for the worse and it’s affecting how I feel about my job.
Tyrone |
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Hi Tyrone
‘Executives behaving badly’ is one of my biggest pet peeves. The sad fact is that due to their seniority co-workers are often afraid to stick up for themselves.
What you have to remember is that you teach people how to treat you and by being silent you’re basically giving them permission to treat you like crap.
Tyrone, may the force be with you, because you need to muster up the courage to state how you want to be treated by the General Manager.
Next time your GM looks ready to launch his next hissy fit, take a deep breath and say something to the effect of, “I appreciate that you’re trying to communicate with me but I need you to speak to me in a civil and respectful tone.”
Still doesn’t hear you? Don’t give up, “I’ll have to ask you to stop right there as I don’t think you heard my request to speak to me in a professional manner.”
If the bad behaviour persists, stop him in his tracks, “OK, this conversation isn’t acceptable to me. I’m going to walk away and I’m more than happy to continue this discussion when you feel ready to talk to me in a civil manner.”
At this stage you may be close to vomiting, but you’ve stated your position and you have the right to live in a bully free environment. |
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| Remember you can make a different choice at any time to positively change your situation: |
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Attitude - Recognise that bullying behaviour is unacceptable and you are worthy of being treated well. You must possess an attitude of positive self-worth. |
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Behaviour - Practice what you’re going to say in advance.
1. Don’t be accusing eg “You are such a bully.” “You always do this.”
2. Always come from the “I”. Eg “I don’t appreciate the tone of this conversation.” Or “I feel like…” |
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Environment - Don’t be afraid to stick up for yourself for fear of losing your job. In many cases it takes a lot more than stating your needs in a professional way to get yourself fired. |
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If for some reason you do end up leaving, either of your own accord or not think of it as the best gift you’ve ever received as it creates a space to create something fantastic. |
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| Quite honestly, you’ll probably be surprised – bullies often back down when they’re stopped in their tracks. |
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| For more online career advice and inspiration, visit the Resources section. |
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