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Love Job But

I Love My Job But Hate My Boss!

Love Job But

Today we look at 5 ways to deal with a “bad” boss.

 

1. Take a look in the mirror

Firstly examine your actions and behaviour. We all have a tendency to disagree with a person we don’t like simply because we don’t like them – could this be contributing to tensions between you? If so, clean up your act, make nice, and do your best to ignore distractions and concentrate only on the work. Then see if things change.

 

2. Focus on your boss’ needs

Your boss may not realise that they are a bad manager. Just as in situational leadership, the definition of “bad” depends on the employee’s needs, the manager’s skills and the circumstances. Therefore whilst you may think that your boss is constantly looking over your shoulder and micromanaging, they may not realise their direction is insulting to staff members. Same as a hands-off manager may not realise that their failure to provide any direction or feedback may make them a bad boss to some. Employees respond to both roles differently, some prefer one type to the other or perhaps somewhere in between! So if you’re boss is a micromanager, work on building the trust in your relationship by not missing deadlines. Listen carefully to what they ask of you and follow instructions to a ‘t’. Communicate with them frequently over tasks and priorities as this will reassure them that you’ve got things under control. Hopefully by gaining their trust, they will relax and give you more freedom in your work. Similarly if your boss is more hands off, don’t be afraid to ask for more direction. This manager probably thinks he’s empowering his staff by not providing direction but if you prefer more direction, ask for it!

 

3. Show your worth

Prove yourself to your employer. Document your achievements and call them to your supervisor’s attention. Keep him or her updated on the status of your important projects and initiatives and offer up new ideas and solutions.

 

4. Play the Game

You’re first reaction to a bad boss may be to fight back. You may think that writing a critical letter of your boss and e-mailing it to HR is the answer but it isn’t. Fight that temptation, hard though it might be. If you maintain your professionalism, it will make a positive impression on those who are watching or those who hear about it — including possibly your boss’s boss. If you retaliate you may get yourself in more trouble and harm your position in the company.

 

5. Report them

Talking to the boss of your manager or HR is a last resort — something you should do only after trying to resolve the matter yourself. If you go this route, document your boss’ actions and provide evidence such as e-mails, voice mail messages and witnesses. It is often helpful to band with other employees who are having similar problems, so that you won’t become branded as “difficult.”

 

…and don’t burn bridges

If you do part ways with your boss, you might be tempted to “let rip,” given that you have nothing left to lose. Fight that temptation and try to be gracious. Badmouthing your boss publically may come back and bite you when you apply for positions in other companies, as you may need a reference from the company at some point in the future.

Posted by Julia Purcell, Marketing & Communications Manager Sigmar on 1 December 2017

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