How To Deal With A Bad Boss

They set impossible deadlines, pick favourites and take all the credit for your work. They’re probably sexist, they don’t think you have a life outside of the office and hell would freeze over before they offered positive feedback, let alone a thank you. Through it all you remain the plucky, helpful, hard-worker.

The truth is, your bad boss’s behaviour has probably nothing personal. Bullys often pick on others because they are unhappy or insecure themselves. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the situation better. Below are our top ways of dealing with a bad boss.

Don’t Bottle It Up

Firstly, working when you’re emotionally deflated can be extremely difficult, so try to talk to someone to vent about your bad boss. Don’t bottle up your feelings. You will feel so much better after bitching to a friend or discussing the situation with your family. They will probably have their own way to deal with a bad boss as well. Don’t forget – keep your evenings and weekends free to relax and have fun.

Don’t Bitch On Social Networks

It’s just a no no! Do not bitch or moan about your boss on Facebook , Twitter or anything else for that matter. Too many people have been fired when their boss finds out; and trust me, even if they can’t see your profile, it will be just your luck they know someone who can.

Stand Your Ground

It can be a very difficult situation but if you find yourself working overtime everyday then confront your boss and explain. You don’t have to be rude to be firm. If you finish all your work by the end of the day then leave on time and don’t feel guilty about it. If something can wait till tomorrow, let it wait.

Get The Office Politics

Resist moaning to other work colleagues but try to passively understand the office politics. Find out from others what your boss enjoys, what makes them angry and how other people deal with them. Concentrate more on listening rather than talking and learn from others’ mistakes.

Build An Alliance

Bad bosses often shoot the messenger. Never make excuses or answer back, and never blame someone else. If you have a bad boss you must try to build alliances with other work mates and blaming them or dropping them in it won’t help you out. Also, when socials after work are arranged – always attend, it’s a great way to build strong relationships with colleagues.

Don’t Go To Your Boss’ Boss

It may be really tempting, but going to your boss’ superior is really a last resort and should only be done through a formal meeting. Your boss probably has their highly paid, ‘throw your weight around’ job because the company director actually likes them. So going above and beyond normally makes things worse. However, there are Trade Unions and other organisations that can support you in circumstances like this.

Check, Check & Double Check

I’m afraid if you’ve got a bad boss you have to make sure everything you do is as close to perfect as possible. You cannot allow them to pick you up on stupid errors that we all make from time to time. Double and triple check everything before it hits your boss’s desk. If you’ve done your best you have nothing to worry about because anything more expected of you is just unreasonable.

However…

Keep in mind your boss may be under extreme pressures themselves, either home or at work. Their attitude probably isn’t personal however inexcusable it can be. Just as Meryl Streep’s character could be a complete bitch in Devil Wears Prada, Anne Hathaway learnt her boss was only trying to do the best job she possibly could and after all, everyone is human.

You’ve got many options, just keep in mind what you want. Good Luck.