CAREER COACH
My boss is a jerk. Not a “#MeToo” movement type of jerk — there is nothing unlawful going on — he’s just a jerk, know what I mean? And according to many of my friends, they have had the same experience with him. Why do companies hire and promote people who aren’t nice? And can I complain to higher management, even though no rules or laws are being broken?
When you think about all of the amazing work that companies do, the incredible products and services they are able to provide, the technological advancements and breathtaking breakthroughs, the one thing that they still can’t fix is the human condition — which means there are still too many people out there who are hard-wired to be jerks. I don’t know if they didn’t get enough love as a child or what, but it’s not for employees or employers to psychoanalyze the people in management. It’s just for employers to establish a no jerk rule. Almost everyone knows what makes someone a jerk, even if their behavior is not unlawful. If you don’t complain, however, their reign of terror will continue. Your time and happiness are both too precious to waste working for a jerk. Fortunately, most bosses aren’t jerks. They may not necessarily be inspiring, but they aren’t rude and disrespectful either. Go find yourself a better boss.
Gregory Giangrande is a chief human resources and communications officer in the media industry. E-mail your career questionstogotogreg@nypost.com. Follow Greg on Twitter: @gregg ian grande. His Goto Greg podcast series is avail ab leo ni Tunes.