There is no shortage of people on here that do not like their bosses (managers, etc). Your manager too often determines the quality of your workplace and its culture. Who they hire, fire, and what sort of language, behavior, and attitudes persist and pervade all contribute to the culture and overall atmosphere we all work in. The old saying is true: people don't quit jobs, they quit managers. The other relevant saying is “The fish rots from the head.”
For some time now I've realized that in many ways my general manager is the worst part of my job. They are a bully and frankly not all that competent, although they are good at making themselves look competent which thus far has been good enough. They constantly make excuses, do not communicate well, gaslight, play favorites by the week, spread and start gossip, and will retaliate against perceived criticisms in underhanded ways. I am convinced they are a compulsive liar and most likely have narcissistic personality disorder. I've fantasized about getting my manager fired thru various schemes, and honestly I think given enough time they may very well get themselves fired due to their impudence and disregard for tact.
That said, I also know they have the business owner more or less dependent on them. The owner is a bit aloof and mostly concerned the business runs well. Not surprising, but the owner is also concerned with perception, and my manager has a tendency to show their ass and piss off customers and clients. I think it is a matter of time before the manager does or says something to the wrong person, and it will show up on social media or the news in a big way–it's come close a few times. I am slowly beginning to learn to document various instances and encourage discussion of events my manager does not handle well or worse.
I have, however, mostly given up at this point on trying to actively get them fired or to actively attempt to get them to change policies that are obviously unfair, inefficient, and unproductive. Any address, particularly in public meetings, usually results in indifference or retaliation, because they have an ego made of glass. I have no faith that the owner would side with me or even a small group of employees should we challenge the manager because they have the owner seemingly manipulated.
Now you might say, get a new job–and yes I agree that is the answer–and i am actively considering my options. But I do like the business, most of my coworkers, the hours, and the money. At this point it's almost an experiment. The manager isn't around a lot of the time and leaves us to do what we want, which is both a problem and nice. See this article (https://hbr.org/2018/03/the-most-common-type-of-incompetent-leader) Mostly the do everything they can to pass off stuff to the middle managers. I do not think the GM likes their job, and this explains why they are inconsistently present.
I've learned the best way to deal with the drama is to disengage a bit (act my wage), and to mind my business and role. That said some of us are close–even friends–and it is not in my normal nature to let things lie. I'm just wondering are there strategies for overwhelming a manager without being the messenger or the direct cause of the problems? Anyone have any history with this? Obviously it would have to be in a theoretical way, but I am wondering if people here have ways they have accelerated the the departure (voluntarily or not) of their manager or other employees (interested in that, too). I've learned direct opposition rarely works with people who are oppositional (whether obviously aggressive or passively aggressive), particularly if they are resistant to feedback and constructive criticism. That said, I do wonder what would happen if the GM left or was fired. I know it would create a vacuum, but I would be potentially interested in stepping up, but I have a hard time conceiving it would get worse.
Anyone got ideas or stories?