I work for a very reactive boss who makes unthoughtful and knee-jerk decisions without gathering all the information, especially if the information puts her in an emotional state.

Anonymous

November 2,2023 at 5:15PM UTC

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I work for a very reactive boss who makes unthoughtful and knee-jerk decisions without gathering all the information, especially if the information puts her in an emotional state. IE one of her favorite managers has an issue with one of their employees, she will step in and go scorched earth on that employee without bothering to talk to that employee first to see if what the manager is saying is truly reflective of the situation. She never apologizes and if she is later proven wrong she will often double down on the original bad decision. This is a hard environment to work in but I make great money, have benefits, and are 10 years away from retirement. Any help or ideas on how to survive this toxic work environment?

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AnonymousNovember 2,2023 at 5:43PM UTC
How many employees has she caused the company to lose?
Replacing people costs money.
Being unable to function as well due to stress costs the business--if only companies cared about that.
I'd encourage anyone who leaves to bring up this manager's behavior in an exit interview.
MislynNovember 3,2023 at 12:47PM UTC
When you have and employer who can not keep employees it’s the employers fault. I’ve worked for some of the worst employers ever. Had the biggest turnover you could imagine at one job and the boss couldn’t seem to understand why. He was the problem. He was god and everyone else was shit that meant nothing to him. He would flat out say you know not my problem. Never would listen to input to change things it was always his way or no way. He had no idea how to run the company but he would bullshit his way through. Don’t ever expect and apologies from people
like that because you will never get one
AnonymousNovember 4,2023 at 12:44PM UTC
I don't know, but ten years is hard to hang in with a toxic environment. Is there anyone in the company you trust that you can go to get their take on her behavior? Maybe understanding her issues would at least help you to process what is happening. Apparently, she is on the road to burnout-land and probably needs an extended vacation. Otherwise, she won't have any staff left. Unless she comes face to face with her behavior or it is some transient issue that will eventually resolve, she is not likely to change unless she is forced to. Unfortunately, that is not your job and it won't end well if you suggest it. Start looking outside for something that will allow you a peaceful exit into retirement. You have worked a long time, and you deserve it.
Vikas VermaNovember 6,2023 at 9:06AM UTC
Sure. Once the money & perks blitz starts to fade away, you will waste no time in getting of the hell. Apart from making money, also think of what you are becoming. I can't stress enough on that..