Respectful Communication at Work: Beware of Rude Bosses!

January 23, 2013 by Julie Mitchell 1 Comment

Do you have good thoughts about your boss?

This week I’ve heard sad tales of mean, nasty leaders at work. Disrespectful managers tend to be clueless and/or uncaring about the consequences of their bad behavior.

For instance, a group of savvy investors in my community chose not to buy stock in a growing company because of widespread stories about bullying bosses who shame and blame hard-working employees. A friend advised her sought-after son not to apply at this organization.

While they are “desperate” to hire new workers — in part to replace those who quit after being treated poorly — people in the know are staying away, opting to work for a competitor instead.

Too often, I’ve observed CEOs and other leaders who seem to advocate (or willfully ignore) low morale, high turnover, and other signs that might cause alarm among more enlightened bosses.

Here’s a good article about bad bosses and rude role models, courtesy of Harvard Business Review. It’s challenging to be respectful and caring in toxic organizational cultures filled with rudeness and overwhelming demands. Respectful communication matters, and it starts at the top.