Speaking Out

Tuesday, March 08, 2022

Yesterday, I couldn’t write against the thundering in my head after working a rough shift with a bullying supervisor on the previous day. Conflicts with him are shared among the employees. I’m a recent hire and don’t know how to escape his abusiveness. Periodically he supervises my shift, and I can’t ignore him.

I’m a retiree, choosing to work for the benefits of extra money and social opportunities. My employer emphasizes customer service and teamwork, both attitudes are up my alley. Regardless of their formal positions, employees are friendly, cooperative, and capable.

The supervisor who troubles me means well for the store, but his supervising style doesn’t suit the social environment. He intimates underlings by bullying and harassing, verbally and physically. Most workers understand their roles in the organization, so he infuriates.

My Sunday shift under his supervision raised conflicts over continuing to work there. The following day and still feeling overwhelmed, I wrote a summary of what was happening to the store’s manager. That became an essay; it ate my window for blogging.

Today, I’ll take my document to the store to discuss the situation. I’m not under the illusion that a disgruntled wonk-employee can avoid working with a higher-ranking employee. But, if leaving my job is the only way to avoid his mistreatment, top management needs to understand why I would.

Dear Friends: Now, with a plan, my head is clear, so is the next step. Diana