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Does Mediation Work?

Posted by: suz
Date: 4/18/2008 9:04:17 AM

I'm done. I've worked for an abusive boss for 7 years. This guy is really nice, personable, intelligent, insightful, and fair -- right up until he loses his temper.

His most recent outburst included telling me to get a thicker skin, and discussing unfavorable opinions about me in front of a co-worker.

I realize this doesn't sound like much, but this guy is a bully with a short fuse. When he doesn't understand something or gets frustrated, he starts yelling and the switch goes off -- which means that even if the right thing needs to be done, it won't be because he has shut it down (I often have to do the right thing behind his back).

This behavior is comparable to an abusive spouse. The temper flares, verbal abuse ensues with lots of yelling, and then afterwards its as if nothing happened and he goes back to being a likeable guy. This doesn't happen just here... his temper and attitude is well-known throughout the installation (US Army).

I keep getting told to mediate this; however, I'm so stressed at this point, that any meeting or mediation is likely to turn into a huge emotional issue for me. I also don't see how mediation will resolve a personality disorder.

Is there anyone out there who has had successful mediation?

Thanks -- Suz

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