This post is a bit different than what I usually cover. Instead of exploring job searching techniques and strategies, I am going to share how to manage the job you already have. Namely, how to save your job if you have a bad boss. And, let’s face it, odds are that you will have at least one bad boss in your career. It can be a very challenging situation without obvious solutions. But there are things you can do to make your life at work more positive or to at least buy yourself some time.
Always keep an open mind and maintain your composure. Staying calm might be the most important thing you can do. These tips can help you to navigate the challenge of dealing with a bad boss:
1. Consider finding another job. That might not be what you expected to read, but sometimes leaving is the best idea. Consider your circumstances. If your boss is firmly entrenched and isn’t going anywhere soon, it might be in your best interest to find alternate employment.
2. Consider your own contribution. Are you certain that you’re not at fault? Sometimes we tend to put all the blame on the other party. The good news is that if it’s your fault, you can fix it!
3. Keep your cool. When your boss is mistreating you or being unreasonable, your first instinct might be to respond in a similar fashion. This is frequently a mistake. It’s an excellent opportunity to show others that you’re reasonable and professional. Maybe your boss’s boss will be one of those to notice. It will also reduce your boss’s tendency to bully you. Bullies tend to stop if they see their tactics aren’t getting a response.
4. Touch base with human resources. Human resources professionals are trained to handle these situations. Be aware, however, that human resources must balance the employee’s needs with the company’s best interests.
5. Network, both within and outside the company. It’s important to stay active and communicate with your network of people.You’ll be sure to find out about any potential job opportunities. And, staying sociable is good for your mental health!
6. Consider talking to your boss’s boss, but beware. If you do say anything, focus on the behavior, not the person. Remember that they may have been the one that hired your boss. People don’t like to admit they made a mistake.
7. Keep a sense of humor. It’s easy to spend all of your time thinking about work and your boss. Try to laugh about it and move on to other things. You’re already at work most of the day. You probably don’t want to spend your free time thinking about it, too. On your own time, it’s important to let go of your work challenges.
8. Get some clarity. Find out exactly what your boss wants from you. If you can get a list of specific performance measures, preferably in writing, you can protect yourself. If you can hit those performance numbers, it gives your boss less flexibility to fire you. You might also find that you’re making them happy!
9. Keep track of your successes. When you’ve done something worthwhile for the company, write it down and keep records. If you do lose your job, it gives you a lot of leverage when it comes to negotiating an exit package or potential settlement.
Dealing with a bad boss is something that we all have to do at some point. There is no set formula for getting through the challenge successfully, since circumstances can vary so much. Take a careful look at what’s going on and decide on a course of action. Sometimes the best you can do is hold on tight until you can find another job.
Remember that at the end of the day, you’re working for yourself and your family. It’s important to do the best you can to create an environment that supports the life you desire.
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Feeling trapped has got to suck. Trapped in ONE job. So I second the idea of networking or looking at other jobs possible. It think this will give a sense of calmness because there are options – especially if you start getting requests for interviews or meets for coffee.
Love the pic above. Very easy read Susan. Nice post.
Really solid advice Susan. It reminds me of several situations in the past where I’ve had to deal with what I perceived as a ‘bad’ boss. In at least two of those situations, in my early twenties, I was at fault and did just have to sort myself out, but there were definitely a few situations where I ended up getting advice along the lines you’ve outlined here. It wasn’t as clearly stated though.
This is good stuff, and I really like that you’re focus is on behaviour, too often people make it out as if the problem is with who the person is, which is exceedingly rare.
Really good advice Susan. It reminds me of several situations with ‘bad’ bosses. When I was younger, it tended to be an issue with me that I had to sort out, rather than some problem with the boss. There were definitely a few situations later on where there really was a problem on their end and although I usually got the advice I needed to help sort the situation, it was never as clear-cut and straightforward as you’ve neatly outlined here.
I really like that you focus on behaviour as well. Too many people conflate the person and their behaviour making a hash of things for everyone involved and feeling way worse about the situation than necessary.
That keeping a record of your successes is pretty important as well. It’s probably a much more widely applicable point of advice about work and life. Good stuff.
Thanks for the tips! I will definitely use these going forward. Great reminder to focus on the positive so easy to get sidetracked into what isn’t working – much more powerful to focus on what is.
Ah yes, work would be so easy if only it didn’t involve other people….A difficult boss is just a killer, and can be extraordinarily hard to deal with – you have given people lots of options to think about here.