Code of conduct: Should you stand your ground or backtrack if your boss is having a meltdown?

A recent video of an HDFC senior executive yelling and using uncouth language while berating subordinates for poor performance during a virtual meeting went viral on social media. Needless to say, it shocked netizens and caused a huge backlash, leading to the senior executive getting sacked.

It was also a grim wake-up call.

Getting yelled at or being made to feel like a nobody now and then by your team leader is unfortunately nothing new at the workplace.


Maybe your boss is having a bad day. Maybe you have exceeded your quota of weekly goof-ups. Whatever the reason, you find yourself at the receiving end of a meltdown.

While it can incredibly humiliating to get shouted at in front of colleagues (or worse, subordinates!) and it can feel like wading through a minefield if your team leader is furious (and that fury is directed towards you), sometimes keeping calm and doing what you can to prevent the situation from escalating may be the best course of action.

Refrain From Retaliating
It can be tempting to fight fire with fire, especially if the anger has been misdirected, but it would be unwise to do so. Yelling at the workplace may become a permanent blotch on an otherwise impeccable professional record. If word gets out that you are unable to respect team members or behave erratically, it may become a permanent red flag.

Understand Your Boss
Once you can comprehend the root cause of why they have lost their cool, you can work towards salvaging your professional relationship. In general three types of leaders are more prone to yelling at subordinates:

• The hyper emotional boss. These people may mean well but are highly strung. They usually have volcanic tempers and can lose their cool at the slightest hint of provocation.

• The dictator. These people don’t like their authority getting questioned or challenged and may have an outburst if they feel threatened.

• The narcissist. These personality types just get a kick out of humiliating people and creating a scene.

Own Up To Your Mistakes
If the outburst has been triggered by an honest-to-God mistake, just admit to it and ask for their help. Most bosses will calm down if you admit your mistakes and ask for their guidance, instead of talking back. Don’t forget to say sorry!

If You Are Not At Fault …
Think the boss has been too quick to judge you/snap at you? Having a shouting match in public is not the answer. Calmly ask for a private meeting and explain your point of view. Document everything you have done and keep a soft + hard copy with you.