I found the Horrible Bosses article to be particularly well-written (Apr 20). I appreciate that the article explores the several different kinds of horrible bosses, and tries to end on an optimistic and fair note. Yet, I would like to offer a different perspective. New employees often go through various hellish experiences when they join the workforce. I fit into this category both now, with my Masters in hand, and after completing my Bachelors several years ago. I have worked in three different developed countries under the classification of ‘professional’ and yet, I wait to be treated like one. I’d like to share my thoughts on the ‘saboteur’ boss who likes to take credit for work that isn’t his/her own. I worked hard for several employers who, instead of recognising my work, claimed it as their own. Not only did my motivation and trust suffer during these instances, so did the nature of my future work. I refuse to believe the ‘survival of the fittest’ theory here. Every new graduate needs to produce quality work and receive credit for it. I thank your team for putting out a thought-provoking article and publishing one great issue of wknd. after the other every Friday!- Aditi, Al Ain

Congratulations, Aditi (Al Ain) on your winning entry! We will be in touch with you shortly.

Who’s the boss?


I enjoyed the article on horrible bosses (Apr 20) and would like to add another kind of boss to that list. Every morning, the manager at my first job would meet each of us in turn and berate us for not reaching targets. By the end of these long meetings, we were so demoralised it’s a wonder we did any work at all. Then one day, he went on leave... The new in-charge was open to new ideas and solving problems. Upon his return, the manager found that every one of us  had reached the minimum target, if not the second or third tier of the incentive list. He realised the impact of his absence and had the dignity to acknowledge the same. The feeling was of sweet revenge albeit short-lived as we resumed our long overdrawn morning meetings soon after. - Bellah, by email

For good or bad

The potential of Web culture is mind-boggling (The virus of video, Apr 20). The political movements it can trigger can be genuine or the handiwork of individuals, organised groups or states themselves. As an extension of the media online, it provides an effective tool for propagandists to lead or mislead the masses that largely cannot sift fact from fiction. It then becomes a dangerous source of proliferating disinformation and agenda. Knowledge is power but for the human mind, being fickle as it is, the Web can prove either informative or deceptive with no ownership of anyone and leaving no fingerprints to nail responsibility. - Zia Hashmi, Dubai

Ex-spouse, buddy or both?

Making peace with an ex used to be unthinkable (The ex-factor, Apr 20). An amicable break-up is never easy. But with good intentions, strong commitment and by forgoing hatred, couples can form bonds of camaraderie. Discarding animosity can help them be effective co-parents and pave the way for normalcy in their lives. - Jayashree Kulkarni, 
Abu Dhabi

Parents’ pet

As I prepare for the arrival of my second child, I wonder how my one-year-old son will react (Is it okay to have a favourite child?, Apr 20). Being the first baby, he is my extra precious one but my daughter is no less important. We should not feel guilty about having favourite kids. Instead, learn to celebrate differences and similarities. As a parent, it’s all about encouraging each child on their specific intelligences that will lead to healthy competition between them. - Maheen Abbas, Abu Dhabi