When the boss is resentful

By Lola Naggayi

EVERYONE at office knows you as ‘the star’ of the company. You work hard and get along well with your co-workers. You have a good personality too. Your workmates say you are the reason they like their work. But your boss ‘think’ otherwise. He never says anything good about you.

The boss has made your life at work hell. Working with him is like working for the devil. He is so resentful of you that he shows it openly.

“Why does my boss hate me so much? What did I do to him?,” you always ask yourself.

Florence Kafuko, the National Forestry Authority human resources manager, argues that resentment comes with a reason.

“For any employee to start accusing their boss of jealous, they should first ask themselves whether they are not to blame. You may be accusing the boss when you are the problem,” she says.
Kafuko advises employees to work with integrity, report for work in time and perform their duties are required. Avoid laziness as the boss could use it as an excuse for his resentment.

“Do not leave room for criticism from the boss. Even if you are brighter than the boss, always consult him. Show him respect,” she advises.

She adds that if you are working hard, but the boss seems not to notice, he is impossible and difficult to deal with, research about his background, experience and qualifications.

“He might be jealous because he takes you as a threat to his job.”
She advises workers to ignore such bosses and concentrate on their work to show him that he can never accomplish much without them.

Learn how to handle different people and convince yourself that what you are doing your at the office is the what you paid for even if the boss does not recognise you. Kafuko argues that one can also show him or her that they are never moved by his attitude.

“Employees should know that every organisation has its politics. Some bosses like some people in the organisation and ‘give hell’ to others. Do not be shaken by such politics. Let your performance stand out.”

Kafuko says it is wise for one to know the kind of boss they are working with. for instance, she adds, find out what annoys him or makes him happy. If you have more money than the boss, do not splash it around as if to show that you have ‘money power’.

“Do not change cars every month. If your boss is older than you and does not own a car, he will be jealous,” she counsels.

She, however, says keeping silent about the torture he is putting you through is counter-productive. Talk to him. Your boss also has bosses, let them know about what your supervisor is putting you through.

Try to advise your boss where necessary and compliment her for the good work. He could be jealous because he thinks he is good at his job, but no one seems to appreciate.

Interns, who join organisations for their industrial training, should avoid flirting with male colleagues.

“This might annoy your female boss because she is not getting the male attention and you might end up missing the training. Some female bosses resent young girls because they see them as compititors,” says Julius Byamukama, the British High Commission human resources manager.

“If you boss is jealous, just quit the job. Even if you try to impress her, she will always wait for you to do a minor mistake to start screaming at you. Some ‘sick’ bosses feel good, especially when attacking employees in public,” says Hassan Kitooke, a bank employee.

Lillian, a customer care officer at a telecom company in town, says if you realise that your boss is jealous about you do not resent him too.

“Just give it time, it will fade away. If you are christian, pray for your boss’ change of attitude.”

“Although you might be fired for speaking up against your boss, do not waiver. Focus on your job other than such small issues,” she advises.