Comments on: Reader Question: When subordinates abuse power

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:39:54 +0000

I agree completely with the advice Meryl gave and the comments posted already. Where this issue took me in my thoughts was how the economy has historically impacted how employees are treated. As our economy is currently experiencing some “trauma” I hope we will all take the opportunity to remember that a bad economy and a shortage of jobs is NOT a license to treat employees poorly. Both employees and employers need to remember that and continue treating each other with respect and demanding respectful treatment for themselves.

By: merylrunion

merylrunion — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:08:08 +0000

You make some excellent points. The point about extra work with no pay is really good. Sure, we don’t like it when people feel entitled to take advantage of power, but, as you point out, that sense of entitlement might be due to a feeling of being exploited.

By: Phoebe

Phoebe — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:44:25 +0000

Most people feel that “Rank has its priviliges.”
Sometimes we forget that Rank has its responsibilities too.
Reviewing the guidelines is a good way of reminding your
staff what is expected from them. On the other hand, if more
than one person seems to be “bending the rules” maybe there is
a reason for it. Instead of seeing the delegated responsibilities as a management opportunity, do they feel that you are giving them extra work with no pay? In other words, what’s in it for them if they don’t have “official” recognition?