Supervisor: "I'm finished with this conversation"

[JEDI]

I was visiting a client site. I heard 2 people arguing in an office behind closed doors. I recognize one of the voices as the mgr since he has a distinct voice. He said "I'm finished with this conversation," then a few seconds later the door opens and his employee stomps out.

Is it ever appropiate to say "I'm finished with this conversation" when arguing with someone below you, or even on the same level?

 

[her209]

I guess it depends on what they are arguing about.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: JEDI
Is it ever appropiate to say "I'm finished with this conversation" when arguing with someone below you, or even on the same level?

Absolutely, especially somebody beneath you. It's a way of saying "I've listened to your whining long enough, I have more important things to do than listen to you whine. We're done."

 

[thujone]

i'd say if tempers are flaring and the conversation is going in circles then there's really no point in continuing

 

[KeypoX]

Originally posted by: thujone
i'd say if tempers are flaring and the conversation is going in circles then there's really no point in continuing

shut up

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: KeypoX

Originally posted by: thujone
i'd say if tempers are flaring and the conversation is going in circles then there's really no point in continuing

shut up

I'm finished with this conversation.

<turns back to really make the point clear>

 

[Strk]

Would you prefer "go screw yourself?"

 

[mugs]

The boss is the boss... He has the final say. Doesn't sound like either was acting in a particularly professional manner though.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: thujone
i'd say if tempers are flaring and the conversation is going in circles then there's really no point in continuing

It can be that, or it can be that the employee has made an argument that the supervisor cannot counter. At that point, the supervisor simply pulls rank and "ends" the argument.

 

[angminas]

I can think of many much worse ways for a superior to tell his employee to put a sock in it, and the bosses I've had often choose these worse ways. Odds are decent, from the info we have, that the employee was being more of a jerk than the boss. If so, the boss's irritation is understandable, and he's only human too.

However, it is a bit rough and dismissive. Being right when the other person is wrong is an art form. As such, it requires wisdom, practice, and ultimately a desire to be bigger than the problem. Just because a boss is a boss doesn't mean they get to act bossy, if you follow me. A true leader does a lot more knowing that you'll do things right than making you do things right, which requires setting a good example, as well as choosing the right employees for the right jobs. A good boss can exercise authority without getting in someone's face, except in the most extreme situations, which often are the boss's fault anyway for not fixing them before they became extreme. There are times to put boots in asses, but even that can almost always be done properly and respectfully.

Definitely NEVER say anything anywhere near this to someone on the same level. Not only will you be a jerk, but you'll gain a rep as a jerk. And if you're asking, that's obviously not what you want.