Sometimes, you may have to tolerate a boss who drives you crazy. Reasons for putting up with your boss may vary, such as the job is a great one, you absolutely adore the company, or you need this job to pay the bills. Discover three types of difficult bosses and how to deal with each of them.
1. Bully
If your boss is a bully, he probably yells at you or berates you in front of co-workers. Bullying does not just happen in person, it can also occur through email or text.
First, try handling a bullying manager by confronting him when he's calm. Kindly knock on his door during a quiet moment of the day, and ask if he has a spare moment to speak with you. Bring up your concerns in a polite, gentle manner, yet remain assertive. This lets your boss know this is a serious situation that needs addressing. Talking to your manager makes him aware that his bullying attitude is affecting your work. Make it clear to your boss that you cannot tolerate the behavior.
2. Narcissist
A narcissist boss only cares about himself and how others perceive him. You might realize your boss does not care about your professional development or your work concerns. You may also come to realize that he only cares about how your work impacts him and how his boss perceives him. This type of supervisor could try to take credit for your work, pass blame on to other people when something goes wrong, or reject any kind of constructive criticism.
If you're facing this situation, consider volunteering to take on other assignments in a different department. Try to impress a supervisor on another team by doing your best to get that person's attention. After a while, consider making a lateral move to the other department if a position that matches your skills and experience becomes available. You want a boss that values your input and supports your growth. If your narcissistic boss is holding you back, take your time and plan your next move carefully, whether you decide to move up with your current employer or find a new opportunity with a different company.
3. Absentee
An absentee manager rarely responds to your concerns and does not put the needs of the team high on his list of priorities. Your supervisor might simply be too busy handling other tasks. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about an absentee boss who is always busy because he has a demanding supervisor.
Instead of relying on your absentee boss, become self-motivated. Go with your gut and experience in challenging situations. Ask your colleagues for advice. If necessary, get the approval of someone else in authority.
If your boss continuously drives you crazy despite your best efforts to deal with him, consider seeking a more positive and fulfilling work environment. How would you handle a difficult boss?
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