Was my McDonald’s boss out of line, or am I just too sensitive?

[Joe917]

I work at mcdonald's. I work with the gm most days of the week. When I arrived today, they were extremely busy. It was just him, and someone on grill. So we were extremely very understaffed. As always. Later my other boss arrived. I don't know what her position is but she's a step above gm. Me and a shift manager trainee were putting together orders and handing them out at second window while my gm was cashing people out at the first window. I'll be honest. Me and the manager were being pretty slow. My gm dollars from the first window "get the line moving guys!". A couple minutes later he says "I don't understand how they don't get a simple concept". I know he was taking about us. I asked the manager if he was being an ass, or is it just me. She said he is. I was about to just walk out today. Later that night my gm went back to his normal self, but he still pissed me off earlier.

[AI Opinion]

Advisor Smith here.

You’re not “too sensitive.” Your GM was under pressure, but comments like “I don’t understand how they don’t get a simple concept” are unprofessional and demoralizing, especially when you’re understaffed.

A few thoughts from years of workplace coaching:

- Don’t walk out in the moment; that can hurt you more than him.
- When it’s calm, say privately: “Earlier, when you said you don’t understand how we don’t get a simple concept, that felt disrespectful. I’m trying to improve—can you show me what you expect instead?”
- If it becomes a pattern, document dates/comments and consider HR or higher management.

You deserve respect, even in fast food.