Bullying boss

[Squashpocket]

I have recently left my job. For a few reasons, but primarily because my boss was a bully - narcissistic, manipulative type.

I don't have any evidence of her behaviour. My ex-colleagues continue to be bullied by her, I feel I should do something. I don't want a reference from her, so have nothing to lose. Is there anything I can do?

You have two options really

Claim for constructive dismissal which is very hard to win, even more so if, as you say, you have no evidence

Look for another job.

You should have raised a grievance before just quitting, and gotten union advice. Do you have another job lined up or did you just quit?

What do you want the outcome to be?

Is there anyone above her you could write to and put the issues on record? Do you have specific instances of bullying you could refer to?

Before doing anything think about the outcome you want - is this for revenge or to improve the working conditions of the other staff?

If it's to improve working conditions how about a letter to your bosses boss? Outline some example behaviours and try to keep the emotion out of it. Or you could try this feedback tip - when you shouted at me very loudly it made me feel like x .....

Potentially the company don't know the real reason you left so that could be the focus of the email/letter.

There isn't really anything you can do. I highly doubt an employer is going to take notice of a disgruntled ex employee.

A friend of mine recently left a job where she was bullied mercilessly - she wrote to both the director and HR giving an explicit explanation as to why she left - precisely nothing was done with that information. The bully continues to bully.

With a bully, I think if you really want to take them on you stay in your job and do it. Your ex colleagues will have to fend for themselves I'm afraid.

Regrettably I have to agree with your view @Isleepinahedgefund, that it is futile to try and change anything from the outside. Leaders with narcissistic traits are often valued in organisations because they are perceived as the people who will do the dirty work, kick the backsides and crack the whip.

This, despite every theory of Leadership espousing the values of developing and supporting people, no-blame culture, The Learning Organisation, etc. The reality is that bullying is rife, and weak ineffectual management fail every time to address it because they're too busy protecting their own position.

The employees who remain have to make their own adult decisions and fight their own battles - they may not necessarily want to change anything and prefer to play safe and keep their head below the parapet for their own career/economic reasons.