I’ve always believed that work should be about collaboration, respect, and the shared goal of delivering value. But sometimes, it feels like the very people who are supposed to embody leadership forget that respect goes both ways.
Lately, I’ve been struggling with someone at work who constantly parades authority, even over people who aren’t his direct reports. Every conversation feels like a reminder of how “important” his title is. Suggestions get dismissed, ideas get belittled, and the atmosphere he creates is more about intimidation than teamwork.
At first, I thought maybe it was just me being sensitive. But over time, it became clear: this isn’t just a clash of personalities, it’s a pattern. And patterns like this don’t just hurt one person — they slowly corrode the confidence and morale of everyone around.
I reached a point where I had to say something. Not out of defiance, but out of the belief that work shouldn’t feel like a place where you brace yourself for the next demeaning remark. I even reached out to my aunt, who’s a corporate lawyer, just to check if I was overthinking. She reminded me that our labor code in the Philippines actually protects workers from harassment, bullying, and abuse of authority. It gave me the reassurance that my instincts were right: no one should have to tolerate this kind of treatment.
What makes this more frustrating is that I already asked for a transfer — either back to the bench or to another project where I was actually offered a role. But it’s been delayed, blocked, or ignored. So here I am, still dealing with the same toxic environment.
Escalating isn’t easy. Nobody likes to be the “complainer.” But sometimes, it’s necessary. If you don’t speak up, nothing changes. And if nothing changes, then the cycle continues — not just for me, but for everyone else who might be too tired, too scared, or too resigned to push back.
At the end of the day, I just want a workplace that values respect as much as output. Authority should inspire, not belittle. Leadership should uplift, not demean. Until then, I’ll keep pushing — not because I enjoy the fight, but because dignity at work is worth standing up for.
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