When I was attending a major poker event a few years back, I remember seeing a few occasions where I observed some of the floorpeople taking a tone with dealers at the table that I though was quite rude, and frankly, unprofessional. Perhaps they were isolated incidents, or perhaps there was some history there. Or maybe this is more commonplace in events where the Dealers and TDs have not had much of a chance to work together and bond, for example. Whatever the reason, I found it a bit disturbing.
I also find disturbing the amount of dealer-bashing from players that I see, which many get away with. I suppose this has always been there, and largely tolerated, but I do not like where it is going. I personally find this behaviour disgusting.
I treat the job as a TD akin to being a manager of employees. Good managers make good employees, and employees work best when they feel that they are part of a supportive team. There will of course be underperformers, but even those can be dealt with in a professional way. Am I wrong in thinking that we are moving away from this standard? Is my perception that dealer's are being subject to increasing amounts of unnecessary 'abuse', especially from players, but also from TDs?
I'd like to think that I'm wrong here and perhaps this is all touchy-feel HR stuff. I guess I'm curious to know how other TDs get along (or don't) with their dealers and other staff, and whether they perceive that anti-dealer sentiment is growing or under control in general.