Bad and troublesome bosses are like fire; they’re bad for your life, but you still need them in it. A bad boss makes life at work practically difficult. If they’re not complaining about this, they’re burdening you with enormous tasks.
But as bad as they are, bad bosses can be managed. You can work with one, and not lose yourself; you just need to know how. So I put together a few tips you might find useful.
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR COOL
One of the best ways to damage the ego of a domineering boss is by you not talking back at them when the “rant” is on. By keeping your cool, you are in charge and the one to determine if the altercation should go on or not. I have been there and I must say it isn’t really worth it. Mine nearly got me fired because I wanted to show my boss she does not have the sole right to be angry or to talk to me in provocative terms and language but I went overboard with my anger and it nearly cost me dearly . At the end, I apologised but the damage had been done. Nothing confuses an aggressive boss the more like an ever smiling subordinate who leaves them totally guessing his next course of action. In doing this, you are not only saving yourself and family from transfer of aggression which is likely to occur if the reverse is to be the case but also making a lasting impression at work.
ASK QUESTIONS
How do you handle a bad boss at work especially when you are new to the company? How do you get along with a bad boss when he or she is the domineering and aggressive type? I think it helps to ask questions, and I don’t mean your boss. As a new staff in a company, you need to consult with the old staff. Talk to one or two colleagues who are willing to help you in the company. With this, you will know what your boss likes and what he or she does not.
IF YOU HAVE TO, CONFRONT STRATEGICALLY, AND WITH EVIDENCE
Confronting a bad boss with the sole aim of winning an argument is a sure way to lose your job before you get started (unless you have one waiting for you outside the door). You might win the argument but the sad truth is that you are not indispensable and likely to get fired the next day. No boss wants to work with someone who will ridicule him in the presence of senior colleagues and even subordinates. Strategic withdrawal is a conflict resolution skill that is of utmost importance in the work place. Learn when to let things slide and make sure you don’t take the lead role in a mob action against your company. Doing so would only single you out as a rebel leader and you know where that often leads to.
Be principled, not stupid. You can only fight a bad boss with facts, and be positive and constructive as much as possible in your argument. If possible, always keep a copy of your facts. If not now, you will need them when it matters most.
BUILD TRUST
Trust building is of utmost importance not just between lovers but in all spheres of life and you building one with your boss will take you far. Building trust is the best way to work with the micromanager of a boss who is known for hovering around and always checking your work.
Aside making sure your works are error-proof, the best way to build trust and get along with your boss is to keep him/her up to date with your reports. With this, he gets the credit he craves for and will be easier to get along with than a boss you totally shut off from the project you are undertaking.
Drama