You work for a moderate-size office-supply company.

Most of the people in your work group are pleasant and easy to get along with. But your boss—that is something else entirely. She always seems to be in a bad mood, and shows it. Almost every day one or more of your coworkers

(including you!) becomes the target of her harsh verbal abuse. She frequently storms out of her office, shouting at any subordinate unlucky enough to be in her path. And she seems to take great pleasure out of raking people over the coals publicly—humiliating them in front of others. Her management style is so obnoxious that everyone hates her, and several good people have already quit to find other jobs. Answer the following questions based on the material in this chapter.

1. Why do you think she acts this way? Is it her job?

Something about her personality? Or has she merely learned that intimidation works—at least for her?

2. What effects do you think her behavior is having on the performance of your work group? Morale, clearly, has been wrecked, but what about efficiency and the quality of the work done?

3. What can members of your work group do to change her obnoxious behavior? Or are you stuck with her as long as she is the supervisor and you stay with the company?