have a hug -  there are people in this world who should never be allowed to become managers

One of my colleagues is really upset over it, because he undermined her to a third party (who wanted us to do their job) instead of backing her up.
If the bloke had any goolies, I'd chop them off.

Indeed they can be Deman. Dangerous too.

I suppose there are times when a boss might see the overall picture as being more important than appeasing a small section of his staff. But the boss should be able to convey this honestly and openly to the workforce.

The bosses who I think most annoy me are the ones who are not up to the job. (Probably appointed by other managers who themselves are not up to the job.)

Bosses who feel insecure, inadequate and lack ability (and an understanding of human nature) often (over)compensate by bluster, cockiness, even guesswork. They are dangerous and very unpleasant bosses. They also tend to take a lot of credit for things they have not done.

This one has a relaxed, laid-back manner - unfortunately, he's too laid back to get on with the job properly. The person causing the problem was really rude to my colleague this morning, but bossman did nothing to sort it out.

An problem came up just now, where I would have had to deal with this same person. I decided not to, and emailed the boss to ask him to do it. Well, if he thinks her attitude is OK, let him deal with her!

Weak manager is often just the precursor to bully manager!

they're just at the stage of developing their sense of self preservation at all costs.... when that is established the next level is self advancement at someone elses cost...

and so it begins!

Slay them!!!   instead of dragons!    

ha!  tell me about it.

In the NHS there is a whole glut of useless workers in senior positions (to be fair... in amongst some very good people)... who were "promoted upwards to keep them away from causing any trouble on the frontline!"

oh joy!

A lot of truth in this thread 

 I feel like I've landed in the land of the numpties today. Not heard from the 'troublemaker' for a few hours though - think she's got the message!

In my experience you have to leapfrog the ineffective manager and interface with the next level.

ooooh!   you get slapped down for that in the NHS!  

No "bypassing the lines of accountability"  rule!

I haven't heard that one before.

The Chief Exec of the Trust I used to work at decided to have an area on the new Trust Intraweb called "Ask the Chief"

Staff were invited to ask him questions directly about the trust and related issues. It was all in line with his "firm belief in a top down bottom up organisation"!  (worra twIt)

The moment I saw it I laughed "oh noooooooo!" clasping my hand over my mouth.   My boss (fab boss) looked over my shoulder and said "lass... do NOT post anything on there.. nothing at all... this is going to get nasty!"

It was shut down a day later...    every question put to him was valid...  it wasn't "tea & toilets" of someones everyday job... but they were about organisational structure... or training or professional groups etc....

and nearly every reply basically said "refer to your line manager, we must be careful not to bypass the lines of accountability"!

Well howsabout becoming an accredited rep. (or shop steward in old money) Your Union send you on courses and teach you how to deal with managers and shitty HR people. Keep your nose clean and they will never sack a rep, ever.

LOL!

that is how my old boss (previously referred to as fab boss... he was my mentor.. in fact, he was loads of peoples mentors).... finally got into management position.

He became the union rep...  and within 6 months management offered him a senior position (rather have him with them than against them!... though he never did fully conform!)