Five Ways to Deal With Rudeness in the Workplace

Rudeness in the Workplace

Hannah sat at her desk, shaking with anger and feeling totally humiliated.

She had been subjected to a very public "dressing down" by her manager at a respected publishing house. He had vented his rage after learning that a best-selling author's new book would likely miss its launch deadline.

Hannah, a production editor, had tried her best to keep the project on schedule, but it had been beset by events beyond her control.

First, the author had delivered his manuscript late, despite numerous reminders. When it did arrive, it needed a time-consuming rewrite, and then the designer went on sick leave, leaving the planned timeline in tatters.

Hannah's boss had walked up to her desk in the open-plan office, and launched into a furious tirade. His frustration may have been understandable, but his behavior crossed a line. He shouted at Hannah in front of her team members, his language was wholly inappropriate, and at one point he even suggested that he regretted not giving the project to one of her colleagues.

This is just one extreme example of rudeness in the workplace. In this article, we look at what to do if you encounter rudeness on your team or from your boss.

What Is Rudeness?

Rudeness can take many forms. It is generally defined as a display of disrespect, a breaking of social norms or expectations, a breach of etiquette, or ignoring "accepted" behavior. It can also mean someone behaving inconsiderately, aggressively or deliberately offensively.

The word "accepted" is important, because rudeness can mean different things to different people, or within different organizations or environments. For example, shouting and swearing might be considered normal in a busy restaurant kitchen, but it would be regarded as wholly inappropriate and unacceptable in most offices.

Similarly, there can be cultural differences to consider. For example, in Japan, something as seemingly innocent as laughing with your mouth open is a no-no. So, it's important to be aware of possible cultural faux pas, especially if you are managing or working abroad or managing a culturally diverse team.

Rudeness can be a way to display power within a team or organizational relationship, to try to get your own way on something, or simply to provoke a reaction. It can also be a response to stress, pressure or frustration.

Five Ways to Deal With Rudeness in Your Team

Being on the receiving end of rude behavior can make you feel angry, upset and aggrieved. If it's not nipped in the bud, it can become "normalized" and embedded into your workplace culture. It can also escalate from low-level incidents into aggressive, bullying behavior.

According to a study in the Academy of Management Journal, rudeness can damage team performance, reduce helpfulness and collaboration, and negatively impact workplace relationships.

Here, we look at five strategies for ridding your team or workplace of rudeness.

1. Be a good role model. How you treat your people can impact the way that they treat others. If they see that their managers or leaders get away with rude behavior, they may copy it. You can prevent rudeness from spreading by setting a good example to them. Our article, How to Be a Good Role Model, highlights the positive traits that you should demonstrate to your team, such as empathy, integrity, professionalism, and self-control.
2. Don't ignore it. If you ignore rude behavior, you send out a signal that, in effect, you condone it. If you witness it, or if it's brought to your attention, you need to deal with it. We look at how to do that, below.
3. Deal directly with the culprit. When you need to address rudeness, talk to the offender somewhere private. Stay calm and objective as you outline the facts as you know them, explain the negative impact of their behavior and how it made other people feel, and make it clear how you want them to modify their behavior. Our article, Bad Behavior at Work, explores this in more detail.
4. Listen. The offender may think that they had good reason to be annoyed with somebody, and that their rudeness was just a reaction to that. So, while making it clear that their behavior was unacceptable, give them an opportunity to explain what triggered it. Using Active Listening and emotional intelligence can help you to understand their situation, and you can then work together to find a solution.
5. Follow up on any offender. By all means, take the offender's point of view into account, but you have to make it absolutely clear that you don't want a repeat of their words or actions. If, as part of your solution, you set them targets or standards of behavior, make sure that they achieve them. If they don't mend their ways, then you should consider firmer action. Discuss the situation with your HR department, and look at using formal warnings or even, as a last resort, letting this employee go.

How to Deal With a Rude Manager

If it's your boss who's being rude, there's a different power dynamic to negotiate. You may have to accept that you're unlikely to change how they behave, so concentrate on mitigating the effect that their rudeness has on you.

Here are four things you can do to deal with a rude boss:

1. Ask why. Perhaps the boss has had a bad day, but it's possible that they really are cross with you. If so, you need to find out why urgently. It may be best to ask them, if you aren't clear why. Their behavior may be because they're under pressure, or insecure about their ability, or even fearful of yours. You need to handle this carefully, as there's a power imbalance to consider. You don't want to damage your relationship, or put your job security at risk. You can learn ways to approach your manager in our article, How to Tell Your Bosses They're Wrong.
2. Be positive. The temptation when someone is being rude is to respond in kind, but that's not advisable with your boss. Try to rise above it. Even if you think their behavior was unwarranted, let your performance speak for you. Show how valuable you are to your boss and the rest of the team.
3. Learn and adapt – to a point. You may be able to take yourself "out of the firing line" of a rude boss by getting to know how they behave, and what their triggers might be. You can respond to them more effectively if you're able to anticipate their moods, and if you understand how they think and communicate.
4. Seek extra help. Rudeness, as we've seen, can be a form of power play and even intimidation. Being more assertive or self-confident might make you less likely to be a target for such behavior but, if it continues, you should ask for help. Consider raising your concerns with your HR department. Give them evidence to back up your claims, such as a written log of instances when you were subjected to rude or unacceptable behavior. They have a responsibility to create a safe environment for everyone to work in, and will be keen to reduce staff turnover, so they might offer a range of solutions from mediation to disciplinary action, as appropriate.

This approach will likely have consequences for your relationship with your manager, but it will send a clear signal that you refuse to be treated in this way. If there's still no improvement in your situation, or if your relationship with your boss breaks down completely, you may have to consider the final option of looking for opportunities elsewhere, either within your organization or externally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can managers foster a respectful workplace environment?

Managers play a crucial role in creating a workplace environment where rudeness isn’t tolerated. Here are some strategies to try:

• Lead by example. Demonstrate respectful behavior in all interactions, to set a standard for the team.
• Establish clear policies. Implement and enforce clear policies on workplace conduct.
• Promote open communication. Encourage employees to speak up about their concerns, and ensure they feel heard and respected.
• Provide the right L&D. Support people to improve their communication, their ability to resolve conflict, and all aspects of their emotional intelligence.
• Recognize positive behavior. Acknowledge and reward employees who consistently demonstrate respectful and positive behavior.

2. What should you do if you’re not satisfied with how a complaint about rudeness is being handled?

Here are some strategies to use if you’ve made a complaint – but don’t feel it’s being dealt with.

Follow up. Politely follow up with the person or department (e.g., HR) handling the complaint to check on the status and reiterate your concern.

Escalate the issue. If initial complaints are ignored, escalate them to higher management or another relevant authority within your organization.

Seek external help. If internal resolutions fail, consider seeking advice from external bodies such as labor unions or employment advisory services.

Document everything. Keep detailed records of all interactions and attempts to address the issue. These may be useful if the situation escalates.

Know your rights. Familiarize yourself with workplace laws and regulations to understand your rights and the protections available to you.