6 effective ways to deal with a bad boss Are you stuck with a bad boss? Well, read on further to find out, how to deal with your peculiar situation?
By Richa Borkar Koli •
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Are you stuck with a bad boss? Well, read on further to find out, how to deal with your peculiar situation?
Who is a bad boss? A boss who is disliked by his employees is not a bad boss. As Steve Jobs said, "My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to make them better." It is not unusual for bosses to be unpopular. They are the ones who are held accountable for the team's performance. They are the people who have to act on the hard truths staring at them.
Bosses who relish this challenge and perform well under such pressure scenarios go on to become revered leaders. Though, not all pass this test, some succeed spectacularly and others fail miserably. Success or failure, everybody has their own way of going about their business. Some win scores of admirers along their journeys, while others leave a grim tale of woe and resentment behind them.
How does one deal when faced with the second situation? How do you deal with a bad boss?
Here are few tips on how to deal with a bad boss:
Seek a Second Opinion
Given the delicate nature of the problem, before you begin dealing with the situation, it would be better if you make sure that it actually exists. Seek a second opinion, preferably from an individual who can dispassionately judge the situation without any fear or favour.
Confront your Boss
Once you have established the fact that you do have problem with your boss. It's high time to address the situation. Have a direct one-on-one with your boss. Pick an appropriate time that suits you both and have a heartfelt discussion towards resolving your issue. This plan of action may not be the best option for all. This would work well in a workplace which has an environment of open communication. It might backfire with dire consequences for you, if not. Judge the situation and act accordingly.
Be the Boss Yourself
Imagine a situation where you are the boss that you currently have differences with, and your boss is you. Exchange places with your boss and try to look at the situation in a different light. In the course of human history some of the greatest breakthroughs have been the result of looking at the usual things in a different manner. This may provide you with a clue as to how to address the situation.
Access the Damage
Is the treatment at your boss' hands too big a deal for you? Does it keep you occupied unnecessarily and hampering your productivity? Or is it that it bothers you for a moment or two and then you forget about it? The answer to this question would go a long way in determining your approach towards solving this situation. Access the damage and act accordingly. Act without any delay and stop at nothing until the problem is solved. You, yourself are your biggest asset. Choose and preserve yourself, if the need arises.
Keep your Eyes and Ears open
Is your boss trying to get across some message to you by the way he/she has been treating you? Sometimes even people in leadership positions have a hard time trying to bring up subjects, which need to be addressed urgently. You may be able to help your own cause by keeping your eyes and ears open to pick on any clues that would help you better understand the problem. You can then address the issue proactively, saving everyone from embarrassment.
Keep your Options Open
Chances are that some or one of the above steps will help you deal with the problem at hand. Yet it would be wise to keep your options open. As you are trying to resolve the issue, be on the lookout for other jobs as well. It is better to be in such a position after having anticipated and prepared for it, rather than land in it as an accident. Act hoping for the best, but also be prepared for any eventuality.
