Dear Coleen

BELITTLED BY MY JEALOUS BOSS

I STARTED working at a new company a few months ago and was very excited about getting the job.

But things quickly turned sour because my line manager constantly belittles me in front of other colleagues. She makes a huge deal of tiny mistakes and is generally making me lose confidence.

She has also made comments about my appearance. She said my make-up would “frighten the clients” and, even though she said it in a jokey way, I know it was a dig. I’ve discussed it with my friends and boyfriend and they all say she’s jealous because I’m new at the company and she feels threatened because I’m young and outgoing. But it doesn’t help me day to day – I just feel like handing in my notice.

What would you do? if she has time for a coffee and explain that you feel like she’s always criticising you and wondered if there was anything that could be done to solve it.

Hopefully, it will make her realise she’s being unreasonable and she’s also affecting the atmosphere at work – and your desire to do your job to the best of your ability.

If that doesn’t work, get your head down and work hard – it won’t go unnoticed by your other bosses and the other people in your team.

But if she carries on belittling you in front of your colleagues, then speak to someone in HR and get their advice – because it’s bullying behaviour.