askST Jobs: My boss keeps making passive-aggressive remarks. How should I respond?
Employees should seek clarity rather than confronting their passive-aggressive boss.
Passive-aggressive remarks from a boss can be challenging to navigate, particularly in a hierarchical workplace culture like Singapore's. Michelle Koh, managing director at executive search firm The Edge Partnership, advises employees to respond to the content of their manager's remarks rather than the tone. For example, if a boss says "Nice of you to finally send that," a subordinate could respond with, "Was there an earlier deadline I missed? I want to make sure I'm meeting your expectations."
Koh explains that passive-aggressive remarks rely on ambiguity, and a genuine question can either turn the remark into useful feedback or lessen its impact. If such remarks become a pattern, employees should request a one-on-one meeting with their manager to raise specific instances of dissatisfaction without labeling the behavior. Keeping a written record of dates and comments is also recommended.
David Leong, managing director of PeopleWorldwide Consulting, notes that passive-aggressive managers often communicate displeasure without taking responsibility for their actions. He suggests asking for clarity to disarm such behavior, never escalating into confrontation, and always maintaining professionalism. Leong emphasizes that respecting authority does not mean tolerating disrespect, and employees should continue to treat their managers with respect while protecting their own dignity.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
