How to Deal with a “Horrible Boss.”

 

by Alex A. Kecskes

 

Many administrative workers who saw the movie “Horrible Bosses” laughed, but there are those who were almost brought to tears, for they live with these kinds of bosses. And they hate their jobs for it. So how to deal with a horrible boss? Some tips:

 

CYA. Chances are, you’re not the only one on the boss’s target list, so get your co-workers to watch your back and do the same for them. Choose and screen these co-workers carefully, for there’s always a “brown nose” in the pack. Make sure a trusted co-worker is present when the boss gives you an order or assignment. If that’s impossible, try to get the boss to commit his or her instructions in an email, so you have CYA backup.

 

Eschew Confrontations. Don’t argue with your boss, even if you know he or she is wrong. Don’t incite things by “making the boss wrong” or “trapping the boss into a corner." But don’t admit you were wrong, either. Simply and calmly ask for clarification. Let your boss fly off the handle, become loud and verbally abusive—especially in front of other co-workers. This will give you ammo to go to HR or his or her supervisor, should the need ever arise (this should be a last ditch resort and used only after several coworkers agree to back you up on the boss’s abusive or obnoxious behavior).

 

Armor Your Rep. Protect and constantly be building your reputation as a solid worker. Be on time for work, meetings, presentations and reports. Aspire to public recognition of your efforts and hard work. Win awards, be the go-to person, a rainmaker, if you can. Armor your reputation so that when your boss attacks it, it does more to damage his or her credibility than yours.

 

For an added perspective, check out this video:

 

Got any thoughts on horrible bosses? Feel free to share them in the comments section.

 

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Nexxt.