Some people are just born a holes. The corporate environment exacerbates this type of personality. The good guy can't win. When you come to grips with that, you'll be able to see the bigger picture.
My wife has aspirations to head the dept. she works in. If hard work and dedication were a factor in her goal, she would have it. The problem is, she has honor and integrity. Qualities that are seldom found in upper echelon management.
People that climb the corporate ladder do so by stepping on the backs of others. A life of sacrifice that will constantly ask for more while returning little. You'll always be pushed into a corner and expected to achieve impossible results. Results that couldn't be achieved without integrity compromise. You will NEVER be instructed to break the rules but to achieve success, you will. The more you do it and get away with it, the more willing you are to do it. The fruits of your nefarious deeds won't benefit you, rather they benefit the person you answer too. If you're lucky, you never get caught. You get promoted and continue down this path never-ending self compromise.
Proof is in the pudding. Look around your workplace and observe. The people who rise to the top have little honor or integrity. The people who plateau have it and are generally well liked by their subordinates.
When dealing with this type of sup/manager try to remember. Some folks are just born a-holes. Some are incredibly stressed out by trying to achieve the impossible. Take solace in the fact that, you'll be handsomely rewarded whether you meet your expectations or not. You will be free and that butthole you report to is a dancing monkey, praying his master doesn't stop grinding the organ.
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