I am the shop manager for a distributor of commercial and industrial shelving products. We employ young people to pull stock and assemble components before delivery. The firm’s owner built this organization from the ground up and has been very successful over the past thirty years. But that said, he can be harsh in his off-hand comments and evaluations of others. While the workers I hire put in a good day’s work in a strenuous environment, he will wander through the shop at any given moment and thoroughly demoralize them with one of his impromptu rants. The other day, for instance, he said, "Chuck, why don’t you get these people to work harder? I’m beginning to think they’re a bunch of lazy SOBs." I know he’s joking, but he said this in front of my crew. I’m between a rock and a hard place. I like the job and certainly need it in these tough economic times. If I say something about his behavior, he might fire me. At the same time, the turnover this causes is costing him a fortune and presents me with all kinds of headaches. What do I do?

One would think that in this enlightened world, those who make these sorts of comments would be long gone. That is simply not the case. It sounds like your boss may the product of a time when cracks such as this were believed to motivate people. Perhaps that worked in the past, but it doesn’t anymore.

The fact that he appears to making these comments in a joking manner is a good thing since it leaves you with an opportunity to approach him without fear of reprisal. Sure, no one enjoys criticism, but I believe it is your responsibility to get him to change his behavior. No one builds a successful company over thirty years without understanding human nature. Chances are his off-hand comments are a product of the carelessness that sometimes comes with age. All of that said, you need to take some action.

I would begin by assuring those working for you that they should take his comments in stride. While they sound hurtful, you are the one who determines their fate. You certainly do not want to talk about him behind his back, but you can provide some perspective.  

The relationship you have with your boss will certainly have an impact on the way in which you approach him. I understand your apprehension about losing your job if things don’t go well. But I don’t think you need to worry. After all, your departure would cause a significant disruption to his business. He’s sure to recognize that. Besides, if you’ve been doing a good job, what other grounds would he have?

Here are a few other suggestions. Build a case around the turnover and loss of productivity he is causing with these comments. (I have to wonder why he’s wandering through the shop to begin with other than out of boredom because everyone else is doing their job so well.) Over time, he will want to sell this business or pass it along to someone and it needs to be healthy and profitable. He’s just sabotaging his own success with these inane comments.

Next, think seriously about what you’re going to say. What points to you want to make? How might he respond? How will you defend what you say if he is offended by your comments?  Take the time to rehearse your approach with a couple of people you trust. This will help you get the right words out under pressure and in a confident way. Finally, be at peace with whatever outcome results. You’ll be doing the right thing, not only for the firm, but for yourself.