Talk to supervisor as group about boss’s bad breath

QUESTION: My boss is a real witch. She also has disgustingly bad breath. I have to breathe through my mouth when we’re in meetings, because she always wants to shut the door.

If I walk by her office, I can actually smell her breath in the hallway. Even if she has halitosis, couldn’t she at least do us the courtesy of using mouthwash a couple of times a day? Everyone thinks this is gross, but no one has the nerve to say anything. I have thought about taking a complaint to her boss, but he seems pretty close to her, so I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. I know that if I had bad breath, she would have no problem telling me. How can I handle this without causing more tension between us?

Grossed Out

ANSWER: There’s no safe and easy way to tell your difficult boss that her breath stinks. When confronted with such an unwelcome truth, she’s apt to hold a grudge against the messenger. Then she might find creative ways to make your life miserable.

If the odor is strong enough to pollute the hallway, her manager is undoubtedly aware of the problem. Although the discussion may make him uncomfortable, he’s the appropriate person to address the subject. The fact that they’re close might even make it easier.

If you decide to involve her boss, don’t go alone. You’re less likely to become the target of retaliation if this is a group effort. And don’t complain. Instead, present the issue in a spirit of helpfulness and concern for her well-being.

Should this approach fail, try to find a larger room in which to hold your meetings.

Q: In my department, I have long been considered the “lead supervisor.”

I have practically run the department for the past year. Despite this, someone else was recently promoted to the position of department manager.

A manager who is new to our company made this decision. He never even gave me an interview or tried to get to know me. I’m finding it difficult to accept the situation and feel a lot of resentment toward both him and the company.

How do I get past this? And when I talk with the big boss, how can I make him realize that I would have been the right person for the job?

Passed Over

A: I wonder how much effort you put into seeking this promotion. Did you talk with the new manager about your interest in the position? Do you know what type of person he was looking for? If not, then you didn’t do your homework.

This particular opportunity is history, so now you need to put it behind you and focus on the future. Identify positions that interest you. Get to know the people who make hiring decisions. Ask for feedback about your leadership style and make any appropriate changes.

Since the “big boss” probably approved this promotion, implying that it was a mistake will insult his judgment. Instead, let him know of your interest in management and ask what you should do to be considered in the future.

People who passively wait to be noticed are often overlooked. You need to take an active approach to managing your career. And if you conclude that advancement is unlikely with your present company, then start exploring the rest of the world.

Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and the author of “Secrets to Winning at Office Politics.”

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