My secretary got offended because I used the word "dumba$s"?

Question

But that's what she was acting like?

Answer 1

people are so touchy these days . you should be able to speak your mind . when people act dumb they need telling .

Answer 2

Be very careful. Sounds like a potential lawsuit. I've been a CEO for over 25 years and would never do that. Apologize immediately and address the specific concern you're having. Name calling doesn't address whatever the problem was, and that is what you need to work on. If you address the problem with your secretary and it still continues then you need to seek a replacement. Document everything, and have a witness with you when you're addressing the problem. Otherwise you could wind up paying unemployment and possibly a wrongful termination suit.

Answer 3

You said "she got offended cuz you USED the word dumba$s".................. well, if someone was using that word in front of me BUT *not* addressing it to me, it'd be no such a big deal...... it's not the same to say "that was a stupid action" (referring to something you did) than to say "YOU are stupid".... so if you addressed it directly to her..... whoa, if I were your secretary you'd be reported by now. That's no way to address anyone: a co-worker, your lover, your child..... maybe a stupid driver that you'll never see again, but not someone you have to deal with everyday and who is in disadvantage compared to you. I wouldn't have called you a dumba$s in return, cuz I do respect people..... but I'd definitely escalate it to someone who can teach you -- and hopefully COMPEL you to use -- some office / work place etiquette.......

Answer 4

I'd be offended too - apologize and assure her it won't happen again. It's not the best constructive criticism in the world, is it? There are lots of other ways you could have used in order to point out her mistakes or behaviour. It's lazy just to call someone a dumbass and not take the time or have the patience - and kindness - to let them know what they did wrong.

Answer 5

I'd be offended if my boss called me that, so would you be, probably. With any employee, best to keep a distance, a line that is not crossed if you want to maintain a workable employee-employer relationship. Don't get familiar with them, don't be rude to them, tell them your business, or listen to their personal stuff. That crosses the line and gives them permission to talk to and about you the way you have talked to them. To maintain that line, be courteous to them even if they are dumba$$es.

Answer 6

I don't think she was offended because you used the word "dumba$$", but because you called her one. That would probably tick off just about anybody.

Answer 7

Go figger.

Let me be blunt. If you worked for me and I saw you calling one of your subordinates a "dumba**", you would probably be an "unemployed dumba**". or at the least be demoted to where no one would have to report to you.

Using that kind of crude language on people that cannot defend themselves, makes you a bully and a detriment to any organization.

Answer 8

personally I think anyone, even you, would be offended if they were called a name on the job, no matter what they were acting like. It's not a very professional way to act as her boss, either. Be the better "man" so to speak, and she'll realize it and hopefully be ashamed of her behavior.

Answer 9

What's the question here?

Using rude language, no matter what the context, is rude. If you're offended by her behavior, find a more professional way of dealing with the situation.

Answer 10

You're the dumb as s for not acting professional. You're suppose to set an example, a good one at that. If I were you and someone wasn't getting something, I wouldn't be quick to degrade them, I would be firm and tell them to wake-up and either shape up or leave. I would address the issues tactfully, as if someone degraded me because I was off that day, it bother me that they think so low.

Answer 11

She actually got offended. Shocker. You actually called her a dumba$s? I hope she reports you.