Q: I have worked for a non-profit agency for the past year, and enjoy what I do very much. Unfortunately, I can’t stand my supervisor. She has proven herself to be incompetent, unprofessional and dishonest. I talked with my co-workers about speaking to her boss or speaking directly to her about her inappropriate behaviour, but was discouraged because others have complained about her and nothing has changed. My supervisor is ‘buddy-buddy’ with her own boss. I feel as if I have no choice other than to put up with her because I can’t get support from anyone else.

A: Your supervisor’s tight relationship with her boss can only go so far. Rally your co-workers and take your complaints to the board of directors. But you can’t complain verbally.

All of you must document incidents of unprofessional behaviour, dishonesty and incompetence, and all of you must sign it. Make sure every complaint is serious and not a personal attack. Most importantly, make sure it is well-written.

Mail it directly to the board president (not at the non-profit’s address), who will share it with the entire board. Then the board can make a rational decision. The board members may show favoritism toward certain employees, but their ultimate goal is for the organisation to succeed.

If they determine that this person is not in line with their goals and values, you and your co-workers will see changes. Just give the board time. Firing someone in charge is a bit more political, and the board may have legal matters, such as employment contracts, to consider.