Is It Appropriate to Ask Your Boss Why They Are Always Late?

In the workplace, questions about a manager's behavior can range from simple inquiries to more probing and critical ones. One such common scenario is questioning a boss's frequent tardiness. While it may seem counterintuitive, asking a boss why they are consistently late can be a valuable and legal approach depending on the context and the boss's response.

Context Matters

Before diving into such discussions, it's crucial to understand that not all bosses will react positively or even appropriately to such inquiries. Some may be receptive and take steps to improve their punctuality, while others may become defensive, especially if their tardiness is a pattern.

My Experience: The Flipped-Out Boss

From personal experience, I've had a boss who would extremism in dealing with employees who came in late, even if by just a few minutes. Shouting and losing her composure were her go-to responses. In contrast, I have a more relaxed view of time. I believe that if a project or meeting cannot start without me, they should simply wait. My approach is based on the perspective that I am not the only one contributing to a project or task, and delays can be managed without immediate panic or conflict.

Why I Raised My Voice

On one particular occasion, I came in late. Standing at the timeclock, where my boss was waiting with arms crossed and tapping her foot, she exclaimed, "Shannon, you're late!" I chose to ignore her, much like I usually did. But when she repeated her statement and intensified her tone, I sighed and responded, "Is there some reason you find it necessary to tell me something I already know?" Ignoring the follow-up, she continued, "Why are you late?" I countered, "What difference does it make? I'm here, and it's a non-issue."

Her response was immediate: "You CANNOT come to work late!" She emphatically declared, "You need to be here on time!" Challenging her logic, I asked if she was aware that she returned to work more than two hours late on another occasion. She was a hypocrite in my estimation.

Consequences and Lessons

Leaving aside the personal and professional consequences, the situation led to a controversial outcome. My boss was written up for being late and subsequently let go. She claimed to be late only a handful of times, but it appeared that punctuality was a weekly affair. My boss complained about me being 30 minutes late, yet she was fired more than once for coming in as much as three hours late. This case seems to highlight a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Different Bosses, Different Reactions

It's not all doom and gloom. I needed to differentiate between good and bad bosses. When I questioned Assistant Director of Nursing, DON (Director of Nursing), about her tardiness, she provided a straightforward explanation: she had to stay over until 2:30 am at work and slept afterward before returning. While she had a valid excuse, it didn't excuse her manager's reaction.

DON's Hypocrisy

When I questioned DON about her tardiness, she reacted with vehemence, accusing me of questioning her authority. She later wrote me up for staying over 17.5 hours due to her lateness, which put me in a precarious situation. Instead of addressing the issue, she made it worse and jeopardized my job security.

Glass Half-Full or Half-Empty?

Asking one's boss questions is a valid practice, and this includes questioning their punctuality. If the boss is a good leader, they will be open to such inquiries and use it as an opportunity to self-reflect. A bad boss, however, will use such an opportunity to assert control and authority rather than address the root cause.

Regardless of the boss's reaction, it is essential to maintain professionalism and document any issues for future reference. Understanding workplace etiquette and how to handle such situations can make all the difference in maintaining a positive and productive work environment.

Key Takeaways:

Questioning a boss is appropriate if the boss is open to feedback and is not using tardiness as a means to assert control. Bad bosses will often deflect questions or become defensive, while good bosses will see it as an opportunity for self-improvement. Documenting any instances of late arrival or similar issues can protect you in the event of a conflict or legal issue.