A techie from Kerala recently sparked a debate on Reddit about his negative experience working under an Indian manager, contrasting it with his past experiences with Canadian and American bosses. The Reddit post, shared in the r/developersIndia forum, highlighted the challenges he faced during his first time working under an Indian manager, and it quickly gained attention.
The techie, who had previously worked with Canadian and American female managers, praised their leadership styles. He described them as “wonderful souls” who fostered a supportive work environment, prioritizing their employees’ well-being and work-life balance. He shared how his former managers would go the extra mile by offering incentives like Amazon gift cards and even sending personalized t-shirts, creating a comfortable atmosphere where he felt motivated to work extra hours when needed.
However, his experience shifted dramatically when he was assigned an Indian manager based in the US. He expressed frustration over what he perceived as a toxic leadership style, describing the manager as “egoistic,” condescending, and disrespectful. He noted the lack of appreciation for the team’s opinions and the manager’s authoritarian approach, saying he was constantly “bossed around” with little regard for his comfort or work-life balance. This shift in dynamics led him to question if Indian managers are typically “difficult.”
In his post, the techie even hinted at resigning after receiving his first salary, reflecting the severity of his dissatisfaction. A fellow Reddit user responded, agreeing with his sentiments, claiming that Indian managers who work abroad are often the “worst type of manager” to have. Another troubling detail shared by the techie was that one of his previous managers mentioned that hiring Indian workers allows for more imposition of work, as they are less likely to push back or refuse tasks.
The post has triggered a discussion on the dynamics of management styles, with many users chiming in with their own experiences of working under both Indian and non-Indian managers. The debate continues to highlight the contrasting leadership approaches, focusing on cultural differences and management expectations.
