Should I say it based on the truth?

Question

I am so confused now. I got to answer couple questions on the hand out book that my boss's boss gave to me but some of the questions get really personal and I really want to address what have been the problem in the branch store but I am scared that I will get a bad response. It's just that my boss is having a lot of issues and he does not have any leadership at all. He will go to person A talk about person B, then the next day he will do the same thing to person B. I got so upset because it seems like he likes gossiping and one time he tries to put all the wrong in me but I responded to him like he would never thought about it, then he got upset with me because he could not reply my statement. Basically I shut him up because he is wrong. Now, his boss doing this once in awhile to give raise to employees but darn it I dont know if I am telling the truth will put me in trouble more or not. I swear, my boss is not a good boss. He would bring his personal life to work place and he loves to leave early. Gosh, I wish his boss knew what's going on. What do you guys think? this is my only chance to say everything in front because I am straight forward person and I don't like pretending.

Answer 1

Tell the truth.  Don't be judgmental, though.  Just answer the questions simply and professionally.  Don't get off on a tangent and try to obviously denigrate your boss.  Just simple, direct, but truthful answers to the questions.  For example, if one of the questions were to read:  "Does your immediate superior ever gossip about other employees with you?"  Your answer would be:  "Yes, sometimes."  Don't cite examples or spread the gossip to his boss.  If you get in trouble for this, you should move on.  It doesn't sound like you are in a great place anyway.

Answer 2

Stick to you ethics and be true to yourself. The truth does hurt but in the long run you you are better off. These situations can turn against you so I would put it in writing and send a copy to the Boss's boss. Don't allow intimidation or abuse. Keep your eye open for a better job.

Answer 3

You said it yourself. This is your one chance to tell the truth. Just be professional and clear and calm. You'll feel better if you do, and who knows? you might make a bad situation better.

Answer 4

The truth will out. BUT, sometimes the truth hurts. I would hint at the truth to your boss's boss. Like 'sometimes I notice that my boss leaves early, is that OK?' or 'I don't appreciate my boss talking to me about the people I work with, I feel uncomfortable talking to him/her about it, because he/she is probably talking to them about me, what should I do?'

Always end with a question, this let's the upper management person knows there is a problem and you would like it resolved.