Canadian Politics Today

I know what you meant, I was agreeing with you that in the workplace, it's weird.

Situation:  New person is receiving training.  New person is not doing what they have been instructed to do, in the way instructed.  Trainer gets frustrated after repeated attempts to correct the situation and writes "Arrrrrggghhh!" as a comment on a document written up by the new person, out of frustration.  New person complains to management about Trainer's "tone."  New person later admits that they "don't like being told what to do."

Both people would get yellow flags in my mind.

I only have so much authority and firing someone isn't part of it.  I've laid down the law and also work very hard at leading by example.  I ignore the petty squabbling, unless I need to get involved.  It's management that's the pushover - not me.  IMO, they leave situations too long before handling them.  I had a talk with my superior yesterday basically saying You can't give me the responsibility of laying down the law and not provide me the authority to do so.

I suspected as much.

You are doing the right thing.  Your workplace sounds unprofessional.  You need to explain to management why this is bad and why it's their problem.

If they don't listen, make it clear it's a deal breaker without issuing an ultimatum.  If they still don't fix it, leave.

You can also go above your boss if you need to.