How to Handle a Bad Boss: 10 Tips

The topic of this article is so relieving, isn’t it? Don’t worry, there is still a ray of hope for you if you are someone who is absolutely fed up with your boss! The movie series- ‘Horrible Bosses’ ( which includes 2 movies until now) is focussed on this theme. Furthermore, bad bosses do exist and they could give you the worst nightmares or probably no sleep at all! Almost every worker, every employee complains about his boss once in his working career. Handling a ‘bad boss’ is not a fun thing and definitely not a cake walk.

In the words of Charles Erwin Wilson,

“A good boss makes his men realize that they have more ability than they think they have so that they consistently do better work than they thought they could”.

Job stress is the most significant stress observed among many workers in America. A bad boss or manager can take you through a high level of the workplace- related stress and low level of job satisfaction as an employee.

There is no doubt that a good employee tries his level best to save the situation and tries to adjust. The first step how to deal or handle a bad boss is to identify if your boss is really a bad one? Sometimes it happens that the problem of blaming others is hidden within us. There are chances that you could be the villain of your own story. A bad boss is the one who uses his anger as a motivation, is a control freak and doesn’t help you to succeed. Delegates all his tasks and doesn’t believe in teamwork. Dealing and managing yourself with a bad boss is really an exhausting activity and takes time.

Now that you are confirmed that you are dealing with ‘Bad’ or a hot- headed crappy boss, here are few tips to handle him:

#1 STAY AHEAD

A great start to halting your boss in his track is to anticipate the task that your boss expects and complete it before the deadline. If you say “I already left the documents, on your desk”, you might be appreciated . Your boss will realize that you understand your duty and work and that he doesn’t need to keep a check on you every time. Preparing yourself for the outcome is a much- sophisticated way than getting a surprise attack.

#2 DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

Make sure to document interaction with your boss. When your boss asks you for something, get it in writing. If your boss is a type who gives order verbally, follow up with an email that outlines the discussion and ensures that you heard everything right and correct. Cover up yourself. Keep documented proof ready for times your boss questions your output.

#3 IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER

If your boss has anger problems, identify what triggers his/her meltdowns and be extra combating about resisting those. For example, if your editor flips when you write wrong spellings, do proofread and recheck thrice your notes and articles. And if your boss starts to froth at your mouth if you arrive late, then plan to be in front of her eyes 15 minutes earlier every single day! Be punctual and deliver his work on time.

#4 MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT

A quick fix in dealing with a bad boss is an analysis of your actions and behavior. Have you taken the long road or you are into backstabbing, underperforming and one among the gossip mongers? Are you out- performing or not? It’s important to know, how you handle yourself in a job. Being human, you are more likely to get affected by office politics and boss pressure. A bad boss can be an add on to your stress. Try ignoring all this and be focused on your work. Work hard and win the uphill battle. Find wellspring of positive reinforcement for doing your job to the best of your abilities.

#5 BE CONSTRUCTIVE AND OPEN MINDED

Communication is that key which can open new relations between you and your boss. Bring your ideas and suggestions on the table and discuss them with your boss. Perhaps the misunderstandings and differences occur due to lack of communication. If you get the root cause of your interminable problems, start working on them.

#6 ERASE EMOTIONS

The first rule while tackling difficult situations with a wrathful bossy boss it to remove emotions from your dictionary. That’s easy to say than to be done. Try to be calm and patient in such situations and be objective when working out with the situation. An individual that angers you can control you. Never indulge in a conflict of ego clashes and a war of personal attacks at your workplace. Focus on the issue at hand. Take time before addressing any issue with your boss and carry away from your emotions to enjoy the benefit in a long run.

#7 WORK TOGETHER

Working with your boss rather than against can save your job. It is better to work out strategies together that would benefit your company in the long run. If you spend time making your boss look foolish or portraying him incompetent at meetings you are only poisoning your working environment and relationship with him. Instead of making a way for yourself help your boss to achieve his goals and desires. Respect his decisions and help him in dealing with his matters.

# 8 UNDERSTAND THAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR BOSS

If your boss is candidly difficult to handle and he is same with not only with you but with everyone then accept that chances of him of getting changed is likely minimal. In such a case go and share your concerns with him. This ensures that in future he won’t say that you never told him about your worries or asked about your queries. This will lead you to a chance that your boss will improve. Investigate your differences before you move on.

#9 DO NOT GO OVER YOUR BOSS

Talking negative things about your boss with fellow workers will only fuel the fire at its best. Having your coworkers mourning and accusing boss will take things nowhere instead make it rather unpleasant for your survival.

#10 PRAISE YOUR BOSS

Applause your boss when he gets things right. I mean who don’t like a pat on the back? This way your boss will be impressed at your attempt and feel positive. This would furnish a smooth relation between you both.

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