Amanda's Advice
Dealing With A Patronising Senior Colleague
Dear Amanda ,
One of my senior colleagues is quick to criticise and embarrass people, especially in front of others, and mostly about trivial things. No matter how much you apologise for the oversight, he insists on being rude and treating you like a child. It is hard to remain civil when he is like this and it really puts a dampener on the rest of your day.
How can I tell him that I don't appreciate his tone and want him to stop treating me like a child?
- Lydia
Kirribilli
Dear Lydia,
You have recognized that the upsetting thing is that you are treated like a child. Understanding that, may help you find a response to him,
Your colleague does not credit his staff as being capable members of a workforce, who can be self-directed and take responsibility for their own actions. I guess you are going to have to show him that you are different from those who do act like children, by clearly taking responsibility for your actions, and speaking up when he behaves in an objectionable manner.
Start by explaining the changes that you intend to make then let him know the manner in which you expect him to respond to you. Tell him that you know that respect is something that is earned, and you each have to earn it from the other. When he knows that you are going to work with him, in a mature manner, in order to achieve the workplace goals, then he is going to be forced to view your actions differently.
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