Buzz with Success: Tips for Thriving Under a Queen Bee Manager

If you are a honey bee in the office, you may have encountered a queen bee manager. She is the one who is in charge of the hive, who makes all the decisions, who sets all the rules, expecting loyalty, obedience, and respect from her workers. She is the one who can make your work life sweet or sour.

A queen bee manager is a female leader who views or treats subordinates more critically if they are female. Such managers can create a toxic work environment that fosters competition, resentment, and distrust among female colleagues.

But how do you work with a queen bee manager? How do you communicate, collaborate, and coexist with her? How do you avoid getting stung or swarmed by her?

Here are some tips and strategies to help you work with a queen bee manager and thrive in the office hive.

Recognize the signs of queen bee syndrome

The first step to dealing with a queen bee manager is to identify the signs of her behavior. Some common indicators of queen bee behavior are:

• Giving more praise, feedback, and opportunities to male subordinates than female ones.
• Undermining, criticizing, or sabotaging the work of other women.
• Isolating herself from other women or avoiding mentoring or supporting them.
• Using her social influence to spread rumors or gossip about other women.
• Acting superior, arrogant, or dismissive towards other women.

If you notice any of these signs in your female boss, you might be dealing with a queen bee manager.

Understand the reasons behind queen bee behavior

The next step is to understand why some women behave like queen bees in the workplace. There are different theories and explanations for this phenomenon, but some of the possible reasons are:

• She feels threatened by other women who might compete with her for power, resources, or recognition.
• She has internalized the stereotypes and biases that favor men over women in leadership positions.
• She believes that she has to act like a man or distance herself from other women to succeed in a male-dominated environment.
• She suffers from low self-esteem, insecurity, or impostor syndrome and tries to compensate by asserting her dominance over other women.
• She has experienced discrimination, harassment, or bullying from other men or women in the past and has developed a defensive or hostile attitude.

By understanding the reasons behind queen bee behavior, you can empathize with your boss and avoid taking her actions personally.

Be professional and respectful

The third step is to maintain a professional and respectful attitude towards your queen bee manager. Even if you disagree with her or feel hurt by her actions, you should not stoop to her level or retaliate with gossip or criticism. This will only make the situation worse and damage your reputation and credibility. Instead, you should:

• Focus on your work and deliver high-quality results that demonstrate your value and competence.
• Communicate clearly and assertively with your boss and address any issues or conflicts directly and calmly.
• Seek feedback and guidance from your boss and show appreciation for her input and expertise.
• Respect your boss’s authority and decisions and follow her instructions and expectations.
• Avoid engaging in office drama and stay away from negative or toxic co-workers

By being professional and respectful, you can build trust and rapport with your boss and show her that you are not a threat but an asset to her team.

Explore other opportunities

The fourth step is to explore other opportunities that might be available to you in your workplace or elsewhere. If you feel that working for a queen bee manager is affecting your mental health, well-being, or career growth, you might want to consider:

• Asking for a transfer to another department or team where you can work under a different manager.
• Applying for a promotion or a lateral move that can give you more autonomy, responsibility, or recognition.
• Looking for a new job in another organization or industry that can offer you a better work environment, culture, or fit.
• Pursuing further education or training that can enhance your skills, qualifications, or credentials.

By exploring other opportunities, you can take charge of your career and find a more fulfilling and rewarding work situation.

Bee-lieve in Yourself🐝

Working for a queen bee manager can be challenging and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a career killer. By following these tips, you can thrive under a queen bee manager and achieve your professional goals. Remember, you are not alone and you are not powerless. You have the skills, talents, and potential to succeed in any work environment. You just need to buzz with confidence, courage, and positivity.