Are You Working for a Fearful Boss?

While it can be disheartening to work for a manager who stretches the truth when communicating with you, the reality is you may be working for a fearful boss. If your boss delivers one lie after another, your overall happiness in the workplace is affected. Learn how to advance your career without letting an ineffective supervisor stop you along the way.

Uncovering the Lies

A fearful boss is one who relies on overpromising and delaying employee requests. For example, when pitching a new idea to your supervisor, he may put you off by complimenting the idea and then promising to pass it along to upper management. However, you may find yourself without an answer for weeks or even months when dealing with an ineffective supervisor. More than likely, fear is fueling his actions. Your boss may feel intimidated by your innovative approach or risk losing credit for your stellar performance on the job.

A fearful boss may also be guilty of passing the buck. He may blame any delays regarding promotions or bonuses on upper management. If you hear "it's out of my hands," know that it may be completely in the hands of your supervisor, but he isn't advocating for you out of fear.

Avoiding the Repercussions

Protect your professional assets and talents by taking an assertive approach when working with a fearful boss. When promised financial gain, advancement or even a lateral move, get the decision in writing right away. A supervisor unwilling to put verbal promises in writing isn't ready to commit to the promise. As a valued employee, you should have any type of change in your duties, job description, pay or promotion in black and white for your own protection.

Listen to your gut when discussing important decisions about your future with the company or the work flow in general. Your intuition comes in handy when dealing with a fearful boss. Trust it so you can make the best decision for your career without the possibility of workplace conflict.

Know that even if your manager puts you off when discussing strategies or processes on the job, one discussion isn't enough. Follow up consistently to ensure your supervisor is following through on his promises. Respectfully request a concrete answer versus a "we'll see" when your career or job is on the line.

Unfortunately, many supervisors manage based on fear. If your fearful boss won't advocate for you, it may be time to take matters into your own hands. You may need to consider other options within the company or within your field if you feel as if your ideas, talents and experience are not utilized effectively. Your career and your future should matter to your manager.

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