Is your boss getting too big for their boots?

If you’ve ever been consistently bossed around and pressured by a boss or colleague, you know that the psychological and emotional damage can often be challenging to overcome. Today on the Blue Glove Jobs blog, we’re looking at how to tell if your boss is becoming too bossy. We’re also talking about what you can do about it.

There is a difference between being the the boss and being downright bossy.

That’s one thing to remember. Being in charge and bossing people around to the point where they feel uncomfortable are two very different things.

Sadly and more often than not, many employers who are in a position of power, let their job title run away with them. They let the title of ‘director’ or ‘manager’ go to their head. Unfortunately, this can lead to them going off on a power trip, and not realising how it can negatively affect other members of staff.

Being in charge means that you are responsible for either a part of, or all of the business, it’s staff and it’s actions.

If you are bossy, it means than you are probably running around demanding instead of delegating and expecting instead of encouraging. Being too bossy towards staff can often make staff members feel as though they are being bullied.

How can I tell if my boss is bossing me around?

There are a few key things to look out for:

• They always expect things to be completed quickly, even things that take a lot of time.
• They are always adding things to your to-do list without communicating with you first to determine your existing workload.
• You are expected to complete tasks that you do not know how to complete.
• Your boss does not speak to you with respect – often talks at you or down to you.
• Your work is not appreciated, no matter how much effort you put in.
• You and your colleagues feel like your boss is unapproachable.
• You feel pressured to stick around after hours to make sure all tasks are completed.

  

What can I do if I feel like my boss is bossing me around?

If this is occurring on a regular basis, it will become a problem. In this instance, it can be hard to approach your boss about their behaviour and this can be even more challenging if there is nobody above them. It is easy to think it might be easier to cut your losses and leave. This can also be hard in a future job interview to explain why you left a job because of these circumstances.

It might be an idea to collectively approach the subject. Speak to a few other staff members. Ask if any of them are willing to approach the situation with you.

If you feel uncomfortable doing this, or have done this, it might be an idea to get a trade union involved.

A trade union is an organisation with members who are usually workers or employees. It looks after their interests at work by doing things like negotiating agreements with employers and settling disputes.

Often, a trade union rep can act as a mediator between the employees and the employer. If you want more information about Trade Unions, and how to join one,  check out the UNISON website.