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Dealing with bad bosses
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We’ve all had - or will have one day - a bad boss. Some people just are not meant to manage others. So, what are the appropriate methods for dealing with these individuals, other than leaving the organization?
1. Document everything. “Print out and save hostile and inappropriate e-mails that you receive from your boss, and keep a journal to document and describe all cases when your boss behaves in an abusive manner,” said Asher Adelman, founder and CEO of GreatPlaceJobs. “You should present all of this material to your HR department or to your manager's boss when you leave the company so that they are made aware of your boss' behavior and actions. Although this will not help you personally, it is possible that if enough complaints are submitted about this bad boss, he or she may ultimately be dismissed by the company.”
Dr. Randall S. Hansen, founder and president of Quintessential Careers, adds, “Track your accomplishments and contributions. Some bad bosses like to take all the credit, and if yours is one of those, you'll want to have a journal of all your work for the company should questions arise, especially in terms of possible downsizing or job elimination.”
2. Apologize, don’t explain or defend. “If your boss angrily accuses you of making a mistake or blames you for something that goes wrong, trying to explain and defend yourself will often add fuel to the fire and will make his or her outburst even worse,” said Asher. “Instead, try apologizing, even if you feel that you weren't at fault. Then, thank your boss for bringing the problem to your attention and tell him or her that you will do your best to try to make sure that it won't happen again. This might catch your boss by surprise and might bring a quick end to his or her tirade.”
3. Open a dialogue. “Bad bosses often focus their bullying on people who they perceive as being weak and powerless,” said Asher. “It might help if you confront your boss after an outburst and assertively explain to him or her that you feel you should not have to put up with that kind of behavior. If this doesn't help, you might try sending an e-mail to your boss after an episode with similar written remarks.”
Hansen adds, “If your boss is not an evil one - but perhaps the overly friendly or overly demanding type - consider meeting with him or her outside the office about what you perceive from the boss' words and actions and try to clear up any misunderstandings.”
4. Network within and outside the company, and build the value of your personal brand. “If your boss is loved within the organization, then your only option is probably to remove yourself by either seeking another position within the organization or moving on to another one,” said Hansen. “So, if you really like your employer, build your network within the organization and slowly put out some feelers about a transfer from your current department. If are are not married to your organization, build your network - and your personal brand - within your profession with an eye to new opportunities. Don't worry about the old rules of having to stay in a position for at least a year.”
5. Find one or more mentors both within the organization and within your profession. “Mentors can offer sage advice, be a sounding board for your problems and help guide and protect your career,” said Hansen. “They can also tell you whether you are overreacting to what your boss is saying or doing.”
Want to report a bad boss? Visit eBossWatch.
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