Most workers have a story or two about their worst boss. The only good thing about having one is that you can learn what not to do should you eventually become a supervisor, yourself. Here are a few situations involving real life examples of bad bosses and some solutions on dealing with them effectively.
Bad Bullying Boss
She is the one who turns red and blows up like a balloon when things don't go her way. She tends to be vindictive and will find ways to get back at anyone who stands in her way or interferes with her plans. She tends to get along very well with people in higher level positions, but essentially, no one else. How do you handle a bully boss?
Keep your professional distance. Avoid trying to ingratiate yourself with this person. The better strategy is to let her know by your words and actions that you don't tolerate bad treatment from anyone. If she does something bad, like reprimand you in front of a room full of employees, act on it. Go to HR and lodge a complaint. Sure, she will hate you, but she hates the public humiliation even more and will not do it again.
Sneaky Bosses
He is all sweet and smooth with compliments to your face, but the minute your back is turned, he has other things to say about you that are less glowing. He is insecure and probably afraid you are after his job.
Again, being forthright is better than being silent. If you hear something that he said, pull him aside in a private setting and call him on it. He may well deny ever saying it, but he will be more careful in the future. He is a doormat and does not like open hostility.
Incompetent Bosses
She may have meant well when she stopped production unnecessarily, but the fact that she blames someone else is a warning sign that she could do the same thing to you. Keep records of your own on any events that involve her deceptive behavior. She is trying to protect herself and her job, but could take down other people who happen to be in the way.
If you become aware of a serious injustice that she has caused and others will be reprimanded or terminated because of her actions, come forward to HR and tell them what you know. She will not forgive you, but neither will she get away with any kind of retaliation against you.
Sometimes, the decision to leave a company sadly occurs because of these bad bosses. Giving up a good job is hard, but if you have become miserable and hate going to work each day, find a way out of the department, or the company if necessary.
Enjoying your work is so important to your overall health and well being. Don't sacrifice your sanity for a bad boss. The change will be good for you in more ways than just job satisfaction.
Was this article helpful? You may also like to read New Manager Mistakes and How to Supervise People.
Therese Haberman - With a MS degree and 25 years in HR mgmt, in 2005, Ms.Therese began a writing career specializing in children and HR.
