My boss shouts at me whenever I make a mistake instead of speaking to me privately and showing me my mistake, and how I could have performed better. He embarrasses me in public.

He doesn’t handle pressure in the way a boss is supposed to manage pressure.

What should I do about this issue? I feel I can’t go to him and discuss the problem because of his attitude.

The answer depends on the structure and culture of your company. It may be that you can only approach your manager and try to solve this between you.

In a larger company you may be able to talk to someone from HR, or to his manager.

But I would recommend always trying to resolve the issue directly with your manager first, whatever the setup.

It sounds as if he is not a very good manager, or is struggling with the pressures of his job. But try to put yourself in his place and see it from his point of view. Maybe he is facing pressure from his manager, or is understaffed or overworked,
Perhaps he is passing pressure onto you because he needs a better performance from you. Can you help him by taking some of the pressure off him?

Have a look at this series of modules on our sister site which offer advice on dealing with conflict in the workplace

Minimising conflict in the workplace

Tools and techniques for handling conflict in the workplace

Tackling conflict in the workplace

Use the navigation arrows just under the green bar at the top of the page to read the next and previous lessons in the series.

So the first thing to do is check your performance. Are you failing to meet his expectations of you, or missing targets?

If so – why is that? Do you need some training, or more time? Maybe you are a little careless if you are honest with yourself?

So if you are sure you are playing your part you could approach your manager and carefully explain that his behaviour is unhelpful, and you would prefer him to take you aside and explain the problem if he is not happy with your work. And show you how to correct your work.

Probably best to approach him at a time when he is not stressed or shouting at you. Choose a time when he is calmer. Perhaps, first thing in the day, before the pressure gets to him, or at the end of the day when everyone is preparing to go home

Chat in an open and unemotional way, being clear about the issue and how you would like it to be resolved. He may not have understood how you felt.

Ideally things will improve after your chat, or if not you may have to discuss it with HR or his line manager. Ultimately if the issue can’t be resolved and you don’t feel you can continue then you will need to consider moving on to another job.