A bad boss can make your work life a nightmare.
Throughout your career, there may be a time when you come face to face with the boss from your nightmares. A boss so bad, that cursing the day you ever took that job will become part of your daily routine. However tempting it may be to simply quit your job, the reality often is people can't quit--what's more, many people who deal with a bad boss on a daily basis fear losing their job. If you're struggling with a bad boss, and you can't afford to quit, there are ways to deal with your boss, and with a little patience, self-motivation and determination, possibly even change Mr. or Mrs. Bad Boss into someone who is actually pleasant to work with.
Instructions
1. Creating positive interactions with your boss
Ask your boss for advice about issues that you don't really require help with. This tends to make your boss feel like you want him to be a part of your job, and that you value hia opinions. Creating positive interaction with your boss will establish a working relationship. Even if the piece of advice your boss offers is dim and useless, respond by thanking him and admitting how useful, helpful, clever, innovative, etc. the advice was. By presenting a positive reaction, you will have made him feel valued and flattered. There is a fair chance that your boss will begin to see you more and more as a valued employee, and in turn, as your working relationship evolves he will treat you with the respect you deserve.
2. Being friendly toward your boss
Be friendly toward your boss and all other colleagues at all times. Do not gossip. As tempting as it may be to partake in the daily imitations and sarcastic jokes around the water cooler, you should avoid adding more negativity to your workplace than there already is. This attitude can make you appear to be more amiable amongst co-workers as well, and with a little luck they'll follow your example.
3. Offer to take on extra tasks if needed. The boss may be overworked. Try to help around other co-workers. This might make your boss perceive you as an extremely motivated individual, which might give her a more positive opinion of you.
4. Speak to your boss in person if you believe that he has gone overboard with being abusive. Make him realize his behavior makes him--and the company--look bad; explain how his behavior is affecting the staff, and how counterproductive it is. Simply calling the behavior to his attention might make him change his daily conduct, not just toward you, but toward the rest of the staff as well.
5. Talk to a superior manager about workplace behavior, and suggest that there be a meeting held with the discussion being around appropriate behavior for your workplace. These types of meetings are held annually in many workplaces, and are often part of regular training. If behavior expectations haven't been addressed at your workplace, there is a good chance your boss believes her behavior is acceptable, and that she is doing her job well.
6. Speak to an official from human resources or a superior manager to find out if you can be transferred to another department or location. If the situation cannot be resolved, the best option for you is to remove yourself from the dreadful work conditions altogether.
