Boss From Hell: The Racist Boss

Unfortunately, however, there are still individuals out there who are either unable or unwilling to change their thinking and their corresponding behavior. When these people are in a workplace that doesn't have aggressive policies in place to address this behavior, it can make for a very uncomfortable working environment.

It's a particularly difficult situation when the person with the racist behavior happens to be your boss. Who do you turn to? What do you do? What do you say?

For starters, understand that racist behavior is simply unacceptable - regardless of circumstances. It is not something that you should be expected to tolerate.

You need to take action though - because if you don't, you're tacitly giving your permission for the behavior to continue. The best way to deal with it is to be absolutely firm, but not confrontational.

Here are the steps:

1. Talk about it

You may not be able to change somebody's upbringing or beliefs, but it can sometimes help to appeal to someone's respect for you on a more personal level. The manner in which you approach this is critical.

You don't want to just run headlong into your boss's office demanding that he become more sensitive. Nor do you want to scold him. Those approaches will just get his back up, serve no useful purpose, and certainly won't end the behavior.

This is a good opportunity to use a good-stuff/bad-stuff combo.

Begin with a positive - a genuine, sincere, positive comment about the boss or your job. i.e. (good stuff) "Hey Boss, I really enjoy your sense of humor - you keep the team in good spirits, particularly when things get stressful."

Follow this with your concern, i.e. (bad stuff) "Um, this is kind of an awkward topic, but I was wondering if I could ask a favor. When you make those comments about ---, it really makes me uncomfortable. I was wondering if I could ask you to not do that while I'm around."

Very often, a boss, not realizing he's been doing something insensitive, will quickly adjust his behavior. It can be an uncomfortable conversation to initiate, but the outcome can be exceedingly positive.

The effort is worthwhile for two reasons: First, it can stop the offending behavior; and second, it can help educate someone as to more appropriate workplace etiquette.

2. Take action!

Needless to say, the above approach won't work with everyone.

With those bosses who simply ignore your non-confrontational attempts, you have no choice but to escalate the issue to a greater authority - whether it be your boss's boss, the company's Human Resource department, or an appropriate government agency.

Don't be afraid to take things to the next level. It's not easy being a "whistle blower" or a "trouble maker," but the only other options are to either accept the behavior, or quit your job and move to another company. Neither of those are fun either.

Good luck!

Shaun Belding president of Belding Skills Development, has played a significant role in the success of many world class companies. Shaun is author of the best-selling Winning With the...from Hell series of books, and is recognized as one of the world's leading experts in developing strategies and techniques for dealing with difficult people. His latest work: Winning at Work-Volume 2 has just been released.

Shaun's weekly Winning at Work email newsletter is filled with tips, techniques and suggestions for dealing with the difficult people who drive you crazy. Subscribe here.

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