Respect Your Immediate Boss — Lessons from Real-Life Incidents

Ego, attitude, and subtle power dynamics: Why respect matters in every workplace?

“Ego rises fast, but respect lasts longer.”

In every workplace — government or private — there’s one rule that quietly governs the peace and flow of daily life: never take pangaa (unnecessary conflict) with your immediate boss.

Your immediate boss is the bridge between you and higher authorities. They submit your daily reports, represent your work, and often become your first impression in front of senior management. Out of anger, ego, attitude, or revenge, people sometimes take unnecessary stands — and later pay the price.

Real-Life Incidents

1. The Railway Story 

One of my relatives, now retired from the railways, once shared a story. His colleague was travelling in a Mumbai local train and noticed his immediate boss standing nearby. Pretending not to see him, he avoided offering his seat. The same day, he was assigned an unusually difficult task — a quiet reminder that respect can save you from unnecessary hardship.

2. The “Dog Case” in the Government Office

At a government office, a senior officer asked his subordinate to send away a stray dog that had entered the premises. The subordinate, perhaps jokingly, replied, “Kaat liya to?” (“What if it bites?”). The higher officials present took note. Within days, a report was filed against him, and soon after, he was transferred to a remote location.

One sentence spoken in arrogance can change a career’s direction.

3. The Officer Who Stood His Ground

A close friend of mine, an Officer in Government Sector was transferred from Delhi to Chhapra (Bihar) because he didn’t bow down to a political figure’s ego. Despite being physically challenged, his honesty cost him his comfort zone — a reminder that integrity often comes with trials.

4. The Classroom Politics

In many schools, teachers who clash with their seniors or coordinators are given extra classes, lower grades, or additional duties — subtle forms of “silent punishment.” Even a missed “Good Morning” can be remembered by those who have the power to evaluate you. Every small gesture counts in a professional environment.

Reflections

Respect your hierarchy — not out of fear, but out of wisdom.

Your immediate boss is the first messenger of your image upward.

Learn to balance honesty with humility — it protects both your dignity and your peace.

A moment of silence is better than a sentence of regret.

Takeaways

Don’t let ego become your spokesperson.

Choose your words carefully in anger.

Power dynamics are real — understand them, don’t fight them.

Respect costs nothing, but buys everything.

From the Desk of the Author

I’ve seen enough of life to know — every station teaches something.

Sometimes it’s math, sometimes motivation, and sometimes management.

In every journey — whether in train, school, or office — it’s always wiser to travel light, leaving ego behind.

Disclaimer:

This article doesn’t target any individual, organisation, or government body. These are personal reflections meant for educational and motivational purpose.

Rakesh Kushwaha

Educator | Writer | Founder – Mathivation HUB