Bosses Who Feel Threatened by Their Employees

I don’t understand workplace dynamics. I think for the most part, everybody is out for themselves. My personal theory is that corporations take such advantage of their workers that workers respond by doing the same. The problem comes from the top down. Every single day that I walk into work I try to talk myself into not caring because I would have less anxiety and get along better with coworkers and bosses if I don’t care. Every one is out for themselves. It’s as simple as that. I think a lot of people care more about what is happening on their Facebook page than their work performance. Soooooo....... giving praise and credit to employees and coworkers is not going to happen.

My department is completely dog-eat-dog these days, Sisabel. Sadly, our manager has created and encourages this sort of environment.

At this point, I hide my knowledge of some things or only share it with the few people I like. If not I'd get constant requests to help do other people's work and that would affect my production, which is all that matters to our boss. Unfortunately, at a training meeting the other day the editor let it slip that I speak Portuguese (we work with Brazil at times). Of course, one co-worker chimed in, “great, now I know who to ask for help with Brazil. Grrrr!
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Another thing related to the original post. I have actual editorial experience. We are short on editors because a freelancer left and no replacement has been brought on, plus the other freelancer isn’t working much these days. My boss picks up the slack when she can, but she’s out a lot and there is no contingency plan.
I would be able to learn and help out with editing without any problems, but you know she’d NEVER ask me. Even when our previous editor went on vacation she asked other people, not me. I wonder if it is because she’s worried I’d do a better job.

When I read the thread headline I immediately thought of physical or emotional threats - which I have faced. But this is an interesting discussion too.

I once had a very poor review when I was in the military. I had been having problems with this immediate chain of command for sometime. The ironic thing was that the same year I received the lowly review I had been awarded with a Governor General's (Canadian) award for outstanding military and civilian service. I was so upset. I submitted a grievance regarding the performance evaluation in which I was able to document numerous examples of Superior work and achievements. I had documentation to support these claims. My supervisor and officer had no choice but to change my PER from poor to superior. And, while I got the promotion I deserved they got chastised and written up for their harassment and dishonesty. Interestingly enough, the officer later had a Human Rights investigation on him which he was found guilty of harassing a civilian employee.

I relate this story to show that there ought to be some manner of dealing with this to your benefit. Take time to write out solid examples which demonstrate the good and superior work you perform. Open the discussion with either your boss's boss or ultimately your Human Resources department. Do not be afraid of any recrimination from him for doing so. He ought not to dare as it would be illegal and grounds for immediate dismissal.

^^ Well I am not sure about the labor law in other countries, but here I doubt my boss' boss would be immediately fired if problems arose from me trying to discuss my performance with people above my boss. If too many waves were made from that, I'd be the one with my head on the chopping block. At least I'd get severance pay, though.