Is this sexism? I've had a new boss for the last 5 months?

Question

he has admitted that he is out of his depth in his job and i have tried to be supportive. In this time he has been increasingly demanding of myself and my female boss (I too am female). the work he has asked of me is where he hasn't known what to do himself. He is a senior manager and there are 5 other people in our team: 3 are men and myself and my line manager are female. Today he unveiled a new piece of work none of the team are keen to do - he allocated 9 of the duties to myself, 8 to the duties of are assigned to my female line manger and 4 others are split between the other 4 men. In the same meeting he told me that I should capture the minutes even though I was not the most junior member of staff, only the most junior female. When I asked, why he replied why not?
When I meet him on my own he's patronising and has a very uncompromising and bullish manner that I must do as he says no matter if I feel it isn't the right approach. He;s not like this with the men. Why?

Answer 1

From what you've described, he doesn't sound sexist or like he's sexually harrassing you or your co-worker - he just sounds like he may be a poor manager or perhaps you misunderstand his motivation.

A good manager identifies the assetts and liabilities of everyone on his/her team and doles out tasks to each member based on that assessment. This means some people could get 12 tasks, while others get only 3.

Ask him directly what his strategy and reasoning is - you may be surpirsed by his answer...

Answer 2

It doesn't sound very good. If he is a senior manager and he only has five reports...

Unfortunately, he is in charge and probably is not going away. I would speak to your line manager and ask her advice, if she can communicate things to the powers that be. If the Sr. manager is out of his depth, it should become apparent at some point.

A lot depends on your situation - what are your job skills, how long have you been doing this job, and what is the employment market like in your area?

In my experience, bosses don't go away. They get shuffled around. If it is truly terrible, I would start looking for more work. Again, my first move would be to talk to my line manager, since she is taking hits from his sexism.

Answer 3

Your passive personality obviously. If people think they can take advantage of someone else they will. Successful people in the office environment are usually complete a£$eholes, they live on their instincts and can't think further than they need to.

Say no and demand a pay rise. The worst that can happen is you'll get your peace of mind back and a different job. If in the new job you still haven't changed your personality, at least you'll have a short period of time where you're not doing too much work as your new colleagues get used to you.

Answer 4

Yes, he is a sexist from the sounds of it, but this is frequently the way of the corporate world. I work for a global corporation and this happens in so many departments it is sickening!! Several females pay the price everyday. Good paying jobs are lean right now so alot of them just deal with it. I don't take too much, but also realize every time I call someone out on their decisions I risk being next on the chopping block.

Answer 5

It might be. Or it might be that he's just a bully. If someone THINKS you'll let them get away with walking all over you, they WILL. Women are typically categorized as more pacifist, and so become targets for bullies more frequently. He probably doesn't try it with the men because he thinks they'll tell him to take a long walk off a short pier. Show him that he can't push you around! Confront him. You don't have to be mean about it, but firmly put your foot down. When he sees you'll set him straight when he crosses the line, he'll soon back off and lose interest. Bullies go for easy prey.

Answer 6

I don't know, it doesn't seem like sexism to me more bullying. Talk to your line manager about your concerns and see if she can get the matter straightened out.

Question for you: Have you asked the men how he acts around them, i.e. do they think he is a brute who is out of his depth, who is picking on you and your boss. Or is this a view you have formed, he bullies me but no one else, he must be sexist. Talk to them and see what they say, talk to your team and see if your interpretation of the situation is the same as theirs.

Whatever the reasons you have a right to be treated with respect. You are there to work and earn a living, not be someones dogsbody.

Answer 7

I'm not sure if it is sexism but apparently the guy is a great B S 'er to get to that position in the first place. The days of promoting men to the senior positions are dead and gone but the problem of promoting dip$%#@'s who can talk there way through any situation, is on the rise. I think you need to let a more senior person know of the work load you are doing for him though. it just might get you to that next level.

Answer 8

Yes, this is sexist and discrimination based on sexism. Get together with your female co-worker and file charges. Put the sexist comment about taking minutes in the minutes and use that as evidence.

Answer 9

Report this jackass to your labor union if you have one. If not, file a complaint with your state's N.L.R.B.= National Labor Relations Board office. Be SURE to obtain his consent to tape meetings. Check with NLRB on the right course of action here. YOU HAVE A LEGITAMATE COMPLAINT!! An attorney would love to hear this case. Most probably, your state Attorney General's office can help/give guidance.

Answer 10

i would approach your female line manager, and talk to her to see if she feels the same way. then if she does i would talk to a professional about your situation. but then again it could be that he knows your smarter than the men and you have alot of experience in your field than the men do. your just the one who knows and does more, girl you must be a good worker, maybe thats how he sees it to, but he doesn't want you to know how he really feels about your work.ask him for a RAISE.
GOOD LUCK!!