The unfortunate truth is that bullying at work is extremely common but, as you’re discovering, not particularly easy to fix. One problem is there’s no legal definition of bullying, unlike sexual harassment or racial discrimination, so it’s an accusation that is difficult to prove.

But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with inappropriate behaviour.

Firstly, your company should have either a bullying policy or a written code of conduct. If you have a decent HR team, use this as context for an opening conversation, highlighting your boss’s demeaning remarks. However, the drawback is that many HR departments are programmed to support the senior manager in a dispute so they’re not always a route to resolution. With luck, though, they will listen to you fairly and check in with you on an ongoing basis.

Honest Boss: “My high-profile boss is bullying me – will I risk losing my job if I report her?”