Bitch and Run

[DrFaroohk]

This seems to be getting more popular in our politically correct, fear of confrontation society. The bossman will see you doing something he doesn't like, and come bitch at you, then turn and run away so you have no chance to offer up any explanation or even just a plain "Yes sir!" to him.

For instance, the other day at work the boss observed me walking and just said "Walk faster." Then he turned and ran away. This leaves me feeling angry at him for being annoying and not being willing to listen. This is way one might treat a 5 year old, because they have nothing useful to say, but it is not appropriate for an adult. So now I feel some resentment towards my boss, and he can probably tell because of the dirty looks I glance in his direction when he walks by. So he's not going to feel particularly fond of me either.

This is how the conversation should have gone:

Boss: Hey Faroohk, I noticed you're walking really slow. Could you pick up the pace a bit?

Me: Well Boss the thing is that the floor is wet and covered in ice and fish guts and its quite slick. I don't want to fall and hurt myself, or damage the merchandise in the process.

At which point, he either could have said "Ok then, carry on." OR he could say "We actually have special treads to put on your boots so you don't slip, I'll get you some." Or he might say "Oh, the floor is slippery? I didn't notice, that's a real safety issue. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, I'll have maintenance take care of it."

But either way it opens up communcation and important details can get through. This is not a monarchy and it's not the military and it's not a daycare. The boss doesn't "out rank" me. He's just paid more and in charge, but that doesn't mean I'm his friggin concubine or his slave.

[HYHYBT]

option 4: he expects you to walk quickly without any traction, and will only bring up 1 through 3 after you hurt yourself, as things you should have done. By not leaving you time to respond, he can try to blame you for it and say you were supposed to be wearing special treads, or cleaning the floor, or bringing the condition of the floor to his attention, without actually having to *do* anything about it in the meantime.

[DrFaroohk]

Or Option 5, I DO fall and hurt myself, and I file a bigass workers comp claim. Bet that makes the boss look good.

[elsporko]

Option 6: He's the boss and too busy to have a conversation with every employee about everything he says. You were walking slower then other people do there, he made a statement, went back to work and forgot about it while you make a mountain out of a molehill.

[DrFaroohk]

I'm not asking him to sit down for tea and crumpets and to read the evening news. Yes he's the boss and he is busy but he A) is also responsible for knowing what goes on in the plant - the floor is slippery and he obviously didn't know that so that's his fuckup for not taking the time to be more aware and B) he has enough time to recap every highlight of the game that was on last night so he can't be THAT busy.