Should I go the next level?

Question

I just started working at a dept. store and learning the ropes. I've been an associate for about 2 months part-time. I love the job and most of the people that I work with are very nice. However, I have one manager that is just plain rude/mean. I was taking care of a family of customer mom,dad and two toddlers. They purchased a box of tennis shoes and normally I have to check the size/style but, the mother was wearing them. I mentioned that we check and there was a "break" in the transaction as the mother was going to take the children to the car. BEFORE I could say/do anything my manager Screams at me "YOU NEED TO CHECK HER SHOES NOW !" Honestly, I was shocked that someone much less a manager would speak to me in that type of tone. So, I paused and asked the customer politely if I could check her shoes?" she was fine with it but, NOT with the way the manager delt with me. They told the manager that she was rude/inconsiderate of me and wanted the corporate number names etc...

The manager was extremely rude to the customers being very sarcastic and be litting me in the process. After the customers left I got more of a verbal tongue lashing in the office.. I DID however, repeatedly ask that she NOT use that tone or speak to me in such a disrespectful manner to which she replied that she is an aggresive person and that is who she is... LIke I have to just "get used to it"... There was no write-up or disciplinary means but, I feel completely embarassed not only in front of other associates but, the customers as well.. Should I go above her and complain or wait until she does this again.... ? I've documented the situation at home.... Thanks sorry so long...

Answer 1

You've done what you can do for now. Continue to document her behavior and next time she steps over the line go to her manager with your documentation and explain that you are going above her in the chain-of-command because you have already tried speaking to her. Also explain that you are doing this because of the effect it has on customers, as well as, the hostile work environment it creates.
It wouldn't hurt if there are other co-workers documenting this as well since she is probably aggressive towards other workers, as well as, you.
Good Luck

Answer 2

Although I personally think U2's first 2 releases, Boy and October, are their best, they clearly reached another level and another audience with Joshua Tree. I also think that was their LAST good album. The Replacements definitely reached another level with "Let it Be", but once again, it was pretty much downhill from then on. I would also say that all of Johnny Cash's American Recordings albums were representative of a level that not even I, a lifelong fan, knew he had left in the tank. The standard by which all other examples of this are measured may be "Dark Side of the Moon."

Answer 3

4

Answer 4

So what your asking is if you should go to corporate yourself or speak with your district manager? I would. It might and it might not help but atleast you did something b/c your manager should not have done that especially in front of a customer. I could see him coming up behind you and whispering in your ear pls get her to check those. Or going outside for some "fresh air" when the customer goes out there.

Answer 5

Yes, Nobody should treat anybody like that. Rude and mean is just the start. She could have just asked you politely to check the customers shoes without making you feel inferior in front of customers. The best thing to do is complain about her.

Answer 6

You need to document the whole situation now. Writing things down is a very good idea. What you can do is request her to talk to your with respects and treat you professionally by mail it Thru U.S. Postal Services. A lot of business see that as making contracts legal with the postal services stamp on it. I would also suggest you to copy an upper management on this "request" letter along with the whole documented situation (by U.S. Mail). If she still treat you the way she does, then you can go straight to HR to complaint about her behaviors. Believe HR do not allow things like this. Mailing that request to her is really is a courtesy and kind of let her know you will take further action if she does not treat you professionally.

Answer 7

That oughta set the manager straight. If anything, YOU should call corporate and complain about your supervisor. One thing I can't stand is a manager who thinks he's/she's it because of their position. I had a manager like that and his bad attitude came back to bite him. He got into an argument with the OWNER of the grocery store I worked for and his *** was grass. Call corporate to file a formal complaint. If no action is taken, you might wanna start looking for another job.

Answer 8

if she wants corporate names and numbers, then she can find them online. the company signs your paycheque, not the crabby customer. assisting a customer to file a complaint will make you look terriblly disloyal.

speak to HR about the boss' behavior, especially if there is a regular pattern to this abuse. if it is only one single incident, then it may not be worth the fight. swallow your pride and, next time, check shoes before they leave the store. if it is frequent, then report it and deal with it, and update your resume, just in case.

Answer 9

Whatever you got documented at home should be signed by your associates as witness. If you can keep a tape recorder around so you can record any future episode.

Answer 10

Pepples,
Unfortunately, You are always going to have to deal with an asshole coworker sometime in your life, some more than others. Just keep a smile on your face. Your boss will eventually hang herself, and then maybe you'll take her place.