How Do You Deal with an Unprofessional Branch Manager Who Undermines Your Role?

Unprofessional Behavior of Branch Manager

In my company, my Branch Manager (BM) is behaving unprofessionally towards the employees, especially towards me. One incident I can quote is from yesterday when there was a doctor's meeting in Coimbatore, where I am in charge and working as the Sales Manager of the sub-branch. The BM came to attend without informing me, with a team from his office, and participated in the meeting. I was also present at the meeting, greeted him in the morning, but he did not respond or talk to me. He did not inquire about my office, my team, or our performance.

Since I took charge in Coimbatore, he has been very jealous. I have been taught that a Senior Branch Manager should motivate and support his subordinates and peers. However, for the past year, I have had the opposite impression. I don't know if it's my mistake or his, but I have heard from his office that he behaves this way consistently. I am embarrassed by his work culture. He got promoted after I joined in Coimbatore. I am unable to handle him and I need your suggestions and advice.

Regards,
Padmanabhan.V

Dear Padmanabhan,

The case you have mentioned describes the typical saying, "People join companies, but they leave their managers." I can understand your challenge. It is not easy to deal with a frosty senior for a year or so.

Have you tried talking to him in private? Have you attempted to understand the cause of his behavior? Unless you meet him, it will not be possible to resolve the misunderstanding.

The next step I recommend is approaching your HR Manager. In fact, to handle this case, even the HR Manager at the senior level is not sufficient. It has to be the GM or VP (HR). Find out what they have to say.

If HR does not take any action or takes it nonchalantly, then you may start looking for a better opportunity.

All the best!

Dinesh V Divekar