The naivety of youth or simply a lack of life and people experience, often blinds us to the realities of employment. Many of us enter the workforce with idealistic expectations, only to realise that the way we are treated largely depends on our position within the workplace hierarchy. More often than not, we all start at the bottom, and in many ways, this mirrors the food chain theory.
In the what I viewed as a funny therapy session for Shilz. Shilz and Djenys (who reclaimed her name in this episode) candidly shared their experiences with difficult bosses—those who seemed determined to make the work environment unbearable. While we laughed at some of their stories, the discussion also highlighted the serious impact of toxic workplaces, unforgiving managers, and the toll they take on performance, mental health, and self-worth.
This led me to question the role of HR. Who are they really there for—the employees or the establishment? The answer, of course, depends on individual experiences, and the debate is ongoing.
A harsh reality of the working world is that, at times, you may have to manage your manager in order to survive long enough to gain the experience you need. This requires strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and, in many cases, a high level of patience.
The workplace food chain isn't a new concept, it’s an unspoken reality in every organisation. You only truly become aware of it by observing the culture around you. Who holds power? Who gets heard? Who is simply trying to survive?
Ultimately, most of us aspire to a point in our careers where we have some level of autonomy and influence, where we are no longer at the bottom of the food chain. However as we rise through the ranks, an important question emerges: Are we becoming the leaders we once wished we had? Or are we turning into the very figures who made our early careers difficult—the office "smiling assassins," who appear friendly but, behind closed doors, break down their employees?
Leadership should be a balance of authority and empathy. While discipline and accountability are necessary, leading with grace rather than just an iron fist fosters a healthier work environment.
5 Ways to Manage Your Manager
Know Their Priorities – Understand their goals and align your work accordingly.
Communicate Clearly – Keep them updated and flag issues early.
Adapt to Their Style – Work the way they prefer to improve collaboration.
Be a Problem-Solver – Bring solutions, not just problems.
Set Boundaries – Manage expectations and protect your workload.
For those still climbing the ladder, it’s crucial to remember that power dynamics exist, and more often than not, you may find yourself on the losing side. The workplace, much like the food chain, is a constant battle for survival—but with the right mindset and resilience, you can navigate it successfully.
Tune in to this week’s CML episode and get into this funny but yet entertaining conversation with Shilz and Djenys! Liked what you’ve read? Leave us a like ❤ and comment ☕🫶🏾📖
