What do I do if my boss at work challenges me to a fist fight?

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  Posted by cloud9dreamer Wed Nov 11, 2009 2:54pm PST

  first, you do not CORRECT executives, especially in front of other people, polite ones or not. You can phrase them differently, such as "My understanding is this & that, I can verify the case after the meeting." Second, it's never good idea to CHALLENGE a client, remember "customers are always right"? Again, art of communication, you don't have to say "that's stupid", but rather, point out what the repercussions/consequences would be. At this point, you should sit him down privately, and explain the stuff to him. Who likes to "lose face" in front of their subordinates or their bosses??

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  Posted by BIll Hughs Wed Nov 11, 2009 2:58pm PST

  you're totally right....I was a little 'idealistic' about being able to voice my opinions in front of others. But at this point....its kind of too late to apologize. I know what not to do next time, but at this point its either fight or flight.

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  Posted by CALIFORNIA Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:01pm PST

  TURN HIM IN TO THE LABOR BOARD.

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  Posted by MrsKlingonPasadena Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:12pm PST

  Yeah Bill, you can't correct execs in front of others. Most of them are out of touch from spending too much time in colleges and board rooms. I had a similar problem before and the best thing to do is to let it go and chalk it up to a lesson learned.

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  Posted by BIll Hughs Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:15pm PST

  I know that now. Honestly I have had problems for years with authoritative figures...but evidently I never learned my lesson. Unless I hear something better, you're probably right.

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  Posted by The Tedster Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:26pm PST

  He's probably an insecure but enormous control freak. Don't fight him. Maybe circle bk to him and tell him, "I listened to what you said and think I should've handled that better. Pls accept my apologies". Thx for the input and see what he says?

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  Posted by BIll Hughs Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:37pm PST

  Tedstar, that was probably the hardest to follow (for ego reasons) but best plan of attack....thanks! I think we come back to "if only I knew then what I know now" philosophy

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  Posted by Red Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:38pm PST

  regardless of whether you corrected an exec in front of his subordinates or not, his actions following that were inappropriate and probably illegal. i listen to labor issues all day long and if something like this happened, that exec would have lost his job in a heartbeat. now that you know you probably shouldn't have corrected him in front of others, have you attempted to apologize or make amends? if so and he continues to be a threat to you, my suggestion to you is to report it. no one should be bullied or threatened merely because the boss didn't appreciate being corrected in public. and if his temper is that short with you, i can almost guarantee you are not the only one who has experienced this with him. please let me know how this turns out for you...good luck friend...

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  Posted by Mrs. Carol B Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:59pm PST

  You send your steroid, freaked out friend after him.

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  Posted by Mhu Cao Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:31pm PST

  If your boss challenges you to a fist fight, turn him down, call the police. Have him charged with assault. Oh, include your company as a defendant.

  Get a lawyer and sue the SOB as a boss, and personally as an individual, for whatever will float. Don't wait. Subpoena witnesses or get sworn affidavits of the aggressive behavior. Burn him to the ground. Make him sign a confidentiality statement on pain of losing everything he continues to own. Make the company grant you "most favored employee" status (keep your job, get raises like your peers, get perpetual good recommendations).

  Find somewhere else to work. That corporate culture sucks.

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