What do you do when your boss shouts at you all the time?

Question

I've been working in a small company for about 5 months now. When I just started the place was a mess. I put a lot of effort to put everything in order, organised decent filing system, revised all the accounts. I did a lot of advertising as well, as the company wasn't doing very well. Everything was done while the owner (managing director) was away, he didn't give a damn about anything. Now he is back and he is shouting at me all the time about all the trivial things. It doesn't matter to him that thanks to me we managed to at least cover the bills. He is finding faults with everything, and doesn't choose his words.While he was away, I had to take some matters into my hands, as the company was in the red. Now he is saying that "I don't bloody own the company, and that I am making some stupid decisions". It makes me very upset.
And by the way, he is from an arabic country, I don't know if makes any difference.

Answer 1

Get a new job. You should find the people in the company who know what you've accomplished and use them as references.

Answer 2

If he ever calms down enough to be approachable, I'd ask him if the two of you can have a talk. Then as tactfully and politely as you can, (never say "you" to him as he'll feel he's being attacked) let him know that when there is a problem you would like to be able to sit down with him and discuss it in a calm manner. That right now you're uncomfortable with the way the two of you try to handle any problems and you'd like to work together to solve any problems. Only do this is you feel you can talk to him. If you don't feel like talking to him is an option, then I agree with everyone else here. It's time to start looking for another job. There's no sense being miserable and getting stressed over a job. Life is too short. Good luck sweetie. (-:

Answer 3

I have worked for Arabs for many years now , I am not Arab myself. I have found that in the Arab culture yelling and expecting a lot is not uncommon. You have two options here;
A. Find another job , because your boss is not going to change.
B. Learn to deal with him on his level. There is a certain way to treat Arab men, I have found. (Disclaimer: This does not apply to all Arabs).
When he starts yelling at you , yell back, in Arabic.
you can tell him "eskoot menfadluck" which means "please shut up" say it with a smile. If he is a nice guy he will laugh, if not you just might get fired. If you want to offend him say "halas ya yahoodi" which means "enough Jew". Most Arabs are highly offended by being called a Jew.
Believe me, I work for the most difficult Arab in the world. I just smile sweetly when he yells, that always pisses him off. Try different tactics and mess with him. Turn his being an *** into your personal amusement. It works. You might even find out you like eachother.

Also try to understand that it is a different culture you are dealing with and even though he may seem unreasonable (and he probably is) he knows no other way, and most likely he tells everybody how wonderful you are, even though he does not tell you.
Try to hang in there. If you and your boss establish a good relationship you might get invited for dinner . The food is totally worth it.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Well, Vicky, I used to have a MD, called the Sultan of Oman, and if you communicated with him with a problem, all was well, a charming and delightful fellow.
It seems that your employer has a personality disorder, so I would say something alg the lines of " Mr. so&so, I have kept this company in order on your behalf, and need a promotion and large pay increase, or you will lose my talents to someone else, and have to bring in someone to start from scratch"
Don't be scared, state your point & push for it.
Also, a tip is just to turn your back and walk away if he is being silly.
He will get the message, and I assume not wish to lose you.

All the best with it,
Bob

Answer 5

Well, the way I'd deal with it if he does it again is, after the 'red mist' has subsided in him, is to request a meeting and then explain very calmly and politely what it is you are not happy with and that you are finding it very difficult to continue working there under the current situation.
If he continues with this though there isn't a lot you can do - once you have been working there for 12 months you can take him to an industrial tribunal for constructive dismissal. So, like other people have said, I'd start looking for another job if things do not improve.

Answer 6

What you've described is called abuse...you may have certain legal rights, if he continues. I would give him fair warning (being very civil) that his behavior is not appreciated nor legal. If he continues and you want to keep the job, seek legal help. Also, are there other witnesses that have seen this and would be willing to testify on your behalf??? He may be the type that would fire you for telling him to stop the abuse, that's the chance you take for sticking up to a bully.
If he does fire you for it, definitely seek a lawyer. Document everything...time date, and exact language used...a witness would also be very helpful if it gets ugly.

I've been roughly the same situation, myself..I just quit, because at the time I didn't know anything about "abuse" being unlawful...I thought it was just something you had to put up with.

I'm not a lawyer and am not giving you legal advice...just a suggestion that you may want to consult a lawyer, as workers rights may vary greatly from state to state...or even country to country if that's the case.

Answer 7

I used to bite my toungue till one day it went over the top, my boss called me a stupid cun*......!!!!! I packed up my stuff and left the office, it really stunk. There was nothing I could do about it and I had made a small error but he used to do the three martini lunch and was drunk every day after noon. It felt really good to walk, honestly, but I know not everyone has that option. Sounds like your boss needs a good dose of shut up, I would start looking for another job, you sound like a good manager and some companies would be glad to have you........good luck.

Answer 8

I'd start thinking about looking for another job. With some people, no matter how hard you work and how hard you try, you will never gain their respect or appreciation. This guy sounds like a bully who likes to throw his weight around. I would seriously look elsewhere for a job with a company that will appreciate you more....

Answer 9

It makes all the difference. You've got the answer in your question.
To be more serious, working in general is hard. But you have a situation there. We spend most of our time at the office. I wouldn't want to be unhappy 75 % of my life. I think it's time you looked for another job.

Answer 10

He is creating a hostile work environment. I would document each and every occurrance - date, time, place, what he said, what triggered it, etc. I would ask him every time to not shout. Point out that things are running smoothly, the company is making money, things are better organized. At some point, you'll decidet to leave. When that happens, if you get any grief about getting a poor evaluation or recommendation, you have the documentation about his behavior. If you ever have to defend your actions because he fires you, you'll have it for that, too.

Answer 11

well there are bully's from every where not just from Arab countries.
Log everything keep track of everything. make a copy of your logs. and talk to the one who signs his pay ck. and mean while look for another job.
for some reason most guys are jealous if any female gets ahead of them.
so, if the one who signs his pay ck agrees with you
then tell to this moron, that we have laws in this country he better behalf.

remember to keep your logs in safe place.