Question: The manager of our local medical clinic is very tough. Several times, I’ve heard her berating her workers in a blatantly hurtful manner. Recently, I saw a secretary who was rebuked leaving the room with tears in her eyes. In order to ease her feelings, I told her not to take it to heart; her boss is just the type who explodes easily and then calms down. Was I allowed to say that? And if not, how do I rectify it?
Answer: The questioner acted properly and wisely. Apparently, the staff already knows that this manager tends to be very tough, and that’s how she ensures that the system under her responsibility functions with precision. (Other managers find more pleasant ways to reach this result...) Consequently, the questioner was right to calm the secretary by reminding her not to take the reproach as a personal affront, since that’s just the way this manager keeps the clinic running smoothly, with a tough attitude and an occasional outburst, as befits her nature. By the way, one should assume that the manager is working on herself to make her methods more pleasant.
