Do you think your boss has the right to tell you what to do?

@jennbart (1330)
Philippines
March 2, 2011 8:30am CST
I had a boss who told me what to do with my natural facial reaction. I naturally do not appear friendly, infact Iam not a smiling face kind of person. I have a formal reaction. But for him, I appear frowning. But for me, that is normal. I do not think he has the right to tell me what to do. He even pointed a finger on my head and said " you just frown when you are alone" with a mocking laugh likens like a demon. I told him " I believe we are not from a showbiz industry. So I dont need to smile 24 hours a day 7 days a week and 365 days in one year as I do not have a fans club to worry about.Besides, what I do to my face, whether I smile or not is really NONE of your business.I dont need your opinion on it either. Now, if you think that Iam frowning at you. maybe I am. Maybe you deserved my reaction. But for me, Iam NOT frowning. Its my normal face."
2 responses
@dreamnishu (1247)
• China
3 Mar 11
hello friend! yes i think that boss has the right to tell what to do.he have the right for that.i know some people are so much good for their works they do not need any guide line.i am a student so i do not face this type of situation.you are right for your side friend but some time its need for some people.bosses are always right :-) thanks a lot.
@jennbart (1330)
• Philippines
3 Mar 11
I am sorry, but I just have to disagree on " boss is always right" thing. Its just not the case. If what he wants me to do is work related, sure! he has the right to tell me. But if Iam doing my work properly even if I am not smiling, then that's what is important. What matters is im doing my work well and properly. He does not have the right to command me how I should wear my face. He doesnt have thr right to point his finger on me and on my head as he is not feeding me. People does not have control on how we are feeling at the momment.Even he is a boss, he has his own limitations. He does not OWN his employees. :)
@rposta07 (240)
• United States
2 Mar 11
It really depends on your job. If you are in customer service or are dealing with customers on a daily basis, then yes, you need to smile, and yes, it is typical for your boss to suggest that you need to smile. If you are sitting at a desk, though, with no customer interaction, then I don't see why it would make a difference. Smiling will make you sound friendlier on the phone, though. The simple act of smiling can make your voice different and can put you in a better mood, but as long as you aren't dealing with customers, I guess it's your choice.
@jennbart (1330)
• Philippines
2 Mar 11
We are in a customer service department, but on an email type of job. We do not talk to customers so, I dont see why I must smile all the time as I am just communicating via outlook. Can the other email recipient see my frown or smile via email? I dont think so. Besides, Iam not frowning. My reaction is just normal, with closed mouth. I mean that's what everybody's facial reaction anyway. I smile whenever I feel like smiling or laugh when I genuinely feel like laughing. But I dont think my boss need to point a finger on me and on my head as he isnt the one feeding me. I am working for the money that I earn. I guess he is just guilty about what he is doing to me. I am not a 2 faced kind of person who will still smile even if I dont feel like it. I am not hard to please, I know how to smile.. but I give my smile to people who deserves it. But its just not him.