Employee Gets Yelled At By Boss For Doing Things His Friend-Manager Told Them, He Says They Are Not Friends At Work

Some workplace friendships sound cute on paper, right up until your boss starts yelling at you in front of everyone. In this Reddit post, OP gets snapped at for something as specific as adding more kale to salads, and it turns into a full-blown power struggle fast.

Here’s the messy part: OP says his “friend-manager” told him to add the extra kale without weighing it, but then his new boss demanded the opposite and even threatened to fire him for not weighing the portions. OP tries to talk it out with his manager, his actual friend, but that manager shuts him down, saying they can’t discuss “non-work-related issues” because the new boss-subordinate dynamic changed everything.

Now OP is stuck wondering if he misread the friendship, or if the whole situation was doomed the moment the yelling started.

OP's boss yelled at him today for adding more kale to salads without weighing them, even though his manager told him to do so; she even threatened to fire him.

OP wanted to have a conversation with his manager, who is also his friend, but the manager said he couldn't discuss non-work-related issues because of his new boss-subordinate dynamic.

OP expected his friend to show some empathy when he was upset; instead, he brushed it off, saying he didn't care about work problems, which hurt OP's feelings.

When OP gets yelled at over kale portions, it’s not just about salad anymore, it’s about who gave the instructions in the first place.

The complexities of workplace friendships can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

It's important for a boss to maintain professionalism by not yelling.

OP's "friend" isn't a good manager or friend.

OP should consider finding a new job with a more supportive and respectful work environment.

The manager who told him to skip weighing brushes off OP’s upset, then points to the new “friend” versus “boss” line that suddenly matters.

That lunch-thief tension is similar to the coworker caught red-handed grabbing lunch every day.

Encouraging open communication about roles and responsibilities can mitigate misunderstandings.

Managers should provide support, act as a sounding board, and protect their team members from higher management.

Yelling and screaming at employees is NOT the way to handle stress in your workday.

It's essential for OP to focus on work during working hours and address concerns with his friend afterward.

OP expects empathy from the person he says is his friend, but instead he gets a cold, work-only response after a threat to fire.

Strategies for Maintaining Professional Boundaries

Implementing strategies for maintaining professional boundaries is essential in workplace settings. Open discussions about expectations and responsibilities can help clarify roles and minimize conflicts.

Additionally, utilizing conflict resolution techniques, like mediation, can facilitate understanding and collaboration among colleagues.

OP should report her.

OP can officially take legal steps if it keeps happening.

By the time the boss keeps threatening consequences for the same kale decision his manager approved, OP has to face the fact this friendship might not survive the hierarchy.

There are several steps OP should consider taking. Firstly, prioritizing self-care is crucial. OP should seek support from someone he trusts if he is experiencing significant stress.

Secondly, engaging in a candid conversation with his colleague, the friend who recommended adding extra kale to salads, is advisable. He should communicate the impact of the boss's aggressive behavior, which led to a panic attack, and request empathy and support.

Should the boss's behavior persist, documenting each incident can be valuable. If improvements aren't seen, OP might want to escalate the issue to the Human Resources department for mediation. Lastly, contemplating a job change might be necessary for OP's mental well-being if the current situation remains detrimental.

Colleagues can also benefit from establishing personal boundaries in their interactions.

The situation described highlights the intricate dance between personal relationships and professional duties.

He might be happier somewhere that doesn’t yell at him for following a friend’s instructions.

Also wild, see the employee who confronted a coworker stealing meal prep.