The Bully Supervisor: What do you do?

Unless you are the top supervisor of every company, you likely have had some bad experiences with a supervisor who bullied you. Those who never had a supervisor, maybe you have your own little shop, or, maybe YOU are the supervisor. You needn’t read this. This is for everyone else.

Supervisors are important. Someone needs to pass on instructions to the other workers, and make sure the job gets done. I have had some great supervisors in my life. Able to pass on instructions from higher up, and make sure the job gets done, but without mistreating or demeaning co-workers. It is possible. These are the people who get a farewell party and people cry because they are losing one of their best, one who appreciated that without co-operation and teamwork the job doesn’t get done. And I have had some who were nightmares.

First try to understand the individual.

Why do some people find themselves in a position of authority over others in a work environment? Ok, probably a couple thousand reasons, just for starters, but some folks are good at their respective jobs and move up the proverbial ladder because that is what happens. These are often very talented people with good intentions. An example of someone I know very well, a guy has been a municipal bus driver for some years, and he knew that a supervisor gets better pay and benefits. He is quite good at his job…