I know this is not a layoff topic but need advice on how to address a manager who is exhibiting signs of mental health issues (possibly bipolar). In recent months my boss, who had been a high performing manager, has begun to display very moody behavior. Sometimes he appears manic and gets highly animated during team meetings over topics that are inconsequential and certainly do not warrant his amped up behavior. I am concerned and worry about his ability to provide balanced feedback, let alone continue to lead the team. Others are starting to notice that not everything is normal and have approached me, quietly asking what’s going on. I like my boss and feel like his behavior is an anomaly and not what he normally would do. How should I handle this situation?
18 replies (most recent on top)
Talk to his supervisor. Express your documented concerns. They then can consult with Health and Medical and EAP about a fitness for duty possibility.
Ombudsman (or maybe HR if you have a friend outside of your BU).
Start a paper trail. Even if you are acting with the best of intentions, the situation could turn on you. Save key emails and meeting recordings.
If you are working internationally, know your local rights. You in TCO by chance?
I would never confront your manager over his behavior. If it gets to the point something needs to be done, then you must go over his head with your concerns. Believe it or not, I know senior engineers that have gotten their supervisors fired for incompetence.
You are a gaslighter doing your thing to get ahead of someone who is getting more visibility. So classic, and so enabled by Chevron culture.
clarify "others" are they from your own team? how many others are from your own team and how big is your team?
Talk to their supervisor and voice your concerns in a very respectful way. Chances are they have also noticed.
Obviously take advantage of the situation to get yourself promoted. Duh.
do a jg and take advantage. Find a way to get him out of the way because of his misfortune so you can advance. It's the new Chevron way culture. Eat the young.
Your boss is having personal issues outside work that are none of your business. It will blow over.
Other from the team go to you why? i guess you always have the latest gossip?
Bi-polar is very hard to diagnose. Do you have a degree in mental health?
OP again, responding to @1fzh+1uWPINUe
I’m not trying to be nosy or butt into my boss’s life. This is a serious matter. His behavior is increasingly off, and I worry what could happen. It might even be a brain tumor that is affecting his behavior. I was trying to simply figure out the best way to help in this situation. It is affecting the team in how he treats us and causes extra work and stress. Thanks to those who provided recommendations.
Maybe mind your own business.
EAP ALL THE WAY!
call eap and let them know about this person. They could be be suffering from a personal or substance crisis and need help.
OP here
Thanks for the suggestions offered
Gonna monitor over next couple of weeks and document behavior
Sounds like leadership behavior. He or she is obviously ready for a promotion. Maybe into the New Energies Org.
Call Ombuds!
You are a caring individual and the fact that your co-workers reached out to you shows they expect you to take the lead. It's about looking out for him. You may be uncomfortable talking him directly so the next step may be to speak with his Line Manager about your concerns for his well being.
I also encountered a boss who didn't remember anything and repeats things over and over. I was concerned about my boss so I was trying to figure out if he was getting Alzheimer's, dementia, drinking problems etc. At the end, 4 of us who have have worked with him for a long time held a meeting with him expressed our concerns. He was defensive and did not recognize this as a problem. Eventually he retired.