u/Claire0879

Where I work, there is a stark division between the younger people and the older generations. The chairman, CEO, and founder are all my bosses. One is Gen X, one is a Boomer, and one is Silent Generation. All are men. The SG boss has a lot of narcissistic traits, the Boomer boss is rigid and controlling, and the Gen X boss is communicative and kind. They are all competent in their positions in different ways, but only the Gen X guy seems to care about the employees.

I realize it is tempting to make inaccurate generalizations based on age, gender, and so forth, but nonetheless, I would like some tips on how to deal with the Boomer and the SG bosses. Has anyone noticed older bosses being more resistant to change, more risk averse, and less generous, kind, and communicative? My older bosses shoot their own company in the foot because they are so intolerant of change and extremely sensitive to criticism. They shut down the younger employees who dare to speak their very reasonable ideas about how to move the company into the future.

I got in a a heated argument with my boss, and I lost my temper. I am usually very calm and respectful with him. He is often very rude and harsh to his employees, however, so I don't know what he considers "normal." I wasn't being ridiculous and name calling or anything, but I told him how I really felt about the way we were handling a project instead of people pleasing as usual, and I raised my voice. I am also traumatized because I was once fired from a job because of office politics, so I may be more fearful than is appropriate. I am very worried. I have worked here for 5 years and have never had an incident like this.