Need Help Dealing With A Raging CEO

by Ange
(Denver CO)

A few days ago, the CEO of my small-ish company had yet another blow-up. This was one of the worst I'd ever observed. He was enraged, so much so that his voice shook as he yelled.

There were 4 women in the office including myself. During and after this display of blind fury, we all were shaking, had racing hearts, and one gal had an anxiety attack and had to excuse herself for half an hour.

The one he was directing his anger at was crying and stayed in the bathroom for 15 minutes. I also had anxiety symptoms including fear and crying, and flashbacks to when my own father would blindly rage like that, barely stopping himself from hitting me.

How is it that his behavior is legally allowed under the US Department of Labor? Isn't there some resource out there that any of one of us (namely me), can access? Some way to safely (as in job safety) bring this to someone's attention?

We all groan when we hear he will be in, and feel so relieved when he is out. People avoid and even lie to him to prevent a confrontation. He outright verbally abuses our female Operations & HR manager. She is an extremely passive, non-confrontational person, and she has health problems as a result of working with him for a number of years.

His boss is a foreigner in a company that bought his company and seems to have zero interest whatsoever in employee concerns.

I want to find a new job, but in the meantime have to continue my income. What do I do??



Response from Dr. DeFoore

Hello Ange, and thanks for telling your story here. What you describe is definitely workplace bullying and extreme verbal and emotional abuse. You are right to object, and to seek out resources for help and support.

I found this site on workplace bullying, which will offer you some support and resources. You are not alone. There are many people dealing with this type of abusive scenario.

Make up your mind to do what you can to rise above the helpless victim role by taking action like writing your story on this site. Hang in there, and do not give up until you have solutions or a new job -- which, by the way is a very good idea. I will also offer you some help for surviving as long as you're in your current job.

Apparently you were abused by your father as a child. You will find some guidelines for healing on this page devoted to healing from child abuse. This will empower you to respond instead of reacting to your current workplace situation.

I wish you and your coworkers all the best in this difficult time, Ange. I hope things improve soon.

My very best to you,

Dr. DeFoore

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