How to handle a boss that is sarcastic ?

Question

Had a new boss (man) and everyone word that comes out of his mouth is filled with sarcasm? At first, I got very upset but at times, I use sarcasm to answer as well but can anyone help in handling bosses like that?

Worst of all, this guy thinks he is very funny and abuses his authority by saying things like" This is the way I speak, I don't have any other intentions" His position in my company, is the 2nd man to the GM

Answer 1

Smiling as sweetly as possible, remind him of the age old adage that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

In other words, only the very unintelligent resort to using sarcasm as a form of wit.

If you look up the word in the dictionary, you will find the origin of the word is the Greek word sarkasmos, from sarkazein meaning to "tear flesh like dogs". Not very nice.

Edit: Sally's suggestion is a good one - keep records in case it becomes necessary to file a complaint with your HR department down the track.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How to handle a boss that is sarcastic ?
Had a new boss (man) and everyone word that comes out of his mouth is filled with sarcasm? At first, I got very upset but at times, I use sarcasm to answer as well but can anyone help in handling bosses like that?

Answer 3

I think your question has been adequately and properly answered by people before me. I agree with most of the answers and commend them for being so tactful in dealing with such odd everyday situations, not only at workplace but also in family as well as public places where we meet different kind and type of sarcastic people.

I would like to add the following info gathered from internet: How does the brain handle sarcasm?

Article Date: 23 May 2005 - 7:00am (PST)
The ability to comprehend sarcasm depends upon a carefully orchestrated sequence of complex cognitive skills based in specific parts of the brain. Yeah, right, and I'm the Tooth Fairy. But it's true: New research details an "anatomy of sarcasm" that explains how the mind puts sharp-tongued words into context. The findings appear in the May issue of Neuropsychology, published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

In sum, Shamay-Tsoory and his/her colleagues propose a neural network for processing sarcastic utterances:

-- 1-The left hemisphere language cortices interpret the literal meaning of the utterance;

-- 2-The frontal lobes and right hemisphere process the intentional, social and emotional context, identifying the contradiction between the literal meaning and the social/emotional context;

-- 3-The right ventromedial prefrontal cortex integrates the literal meaning with the social/emotional knowledge of the situation and previous situations, helping the listener determine the true meaning.

Shamay-Tsoory says, "A lesion in each region in the network can impair sarcasm, because if someone has a problem understanding a social situation, he or she may fail to understand the literal language. Thus this study contributes to our understanding of the relation between language and social cognition."

Answer 4

Always be professional, even when others aren't able to present themselves in such a manner. If it is offensive or bothersome, first have a meeting with him where you can address your concerns. Remember to be polite and professional. Do not make it personal and do not be confrontational. If the meeting with him does not work, then contact HR. You may wish to document what has been said and what actions you have taken to resolve the situation. If all else fails, it may be time to search for employment within another department of your company or to move to a different company altogether. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Answer him in the professional manner that he is suppose to be talking to you in. Sarcasm is never wise in business, from a boss or an employee. When he notice how professional you are handling his sarcasm, it will make him feel small inside, but when you stoop to his lever he feels justified. Document, by date, the unprofessional things he say, so, if you have to report him to
HR, you will have actual dates and incidents.

Answer 6

Dealing With Sarcasm

Answer 7

I think sarcasm is a habit with most people who use it a lot. He probably doesn't even know he does it or that it bothers anyone; he thinks he's being witty, most likely. Maybe if you joked with him about it, he'd take the hint, like, "Hey, enough with the sarcasm, already!"

Answer 8

Your not going to change someone with a sarcastic personality. Act indifferent if it bothers you. If remarks are made in a sexual content, or workplace harassment, you should document such actions and report them to your H/R manager if the company is large. Otherwise, keep your own accurate records.

Answer 9

That is verbal and emotional abuse and should not be tolerated in the workplace. The only to handle that type is to quit or file a complaint.

Answer 10

Go to your human resources department or his supervisor. If it is a small company without either of these positions find a new job FAST.