There is always that one “Miranda Priestly” who wreck havoc to your mundane existence at work. This boss simply makes an employee’s daily work schedule tedious, stressful and unwelcoming. Horrible bosses definitely makes many dread Mondays and can make many watering holes filled up to the brim on Fridays. For someone who has to go through such an ordeal, giving up a job you love doing can be a tough call. Before you cut-off those shackles, there are some strategies which may help you deal with a horrible boss and possibly create a greener pasture in the same fence you’re in right now.
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Identify what motivates your boss. Does he/she want immediate action or solution to certain situation? Is he/she engrossed with even the minutest details? Is she a thinker or a feeler? Understanding what a boss treasures or hates will allow you to align your own work goals, core values and priorities to that of his/her own.
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Don’t fight fire with fire. Instead, take the high road and work around his/her weakness. Complement his/her every move. Negative retaliation will not only make building a trusting and respectful relationship harder, it can also wreak havoc to your work and career goals. So, place your eye on the target and do things objectively.
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Surround yourself with an invisible emotional barrier. Here, objectivity matters a lot. Deal with office issues on a professional level. Some bosses can get their insecurities and other personal issues on the way. You do not have to be like them. In fact, learn to think before you react. Some things are just not worth your time and energy. Channel your frustrations to the job at hand, instead. The best way to put a lid on a horrible boss’ frothing mouth is to deliver topnotch work.
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Learn to adapt to a horrible boss’ leadership style. Each person has a unique personality and the same can also be said about a boss. One may be fast-paced while another is prone to a slower and more detailed approach. Others may practice collaboration when making decisions while your current one may be more authoritative. By adapting to a boss’ leadership style, you can tread effortlessly in your role and help provide win-win solution to issues at work.
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Always strive to give sound feedback when a boss asks for one. Some people create a toxic work environment due to their relentless efforts in realizing company success goals. Be honest yet, do so in a respectable manner. Make your criticism constructive by offering solution to pertinent issues.
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Always strive to show your best intentions at work. Give your best shot on each and every task given to you. Meet deadlines ahead of time. Be proactive in giving solution and ideas for the company’s future. Sometimes, a bad boss may actually not be that. Your boss may actually be doing it as a test so you can optimize your potential.
They say that when the going gets tough, the tough usually are the ones who get going. Accept the challenge of having a bad boss at work. Learn the ropes of dealing with different types of personalities. Focus on your work and career goals. When the pressure is too much that it borders on being abusive then, pack your stuff and leave without turning back. Sometimes, having a horrible boss can be a blessing in disguise. Perhaps, a more promising job awaits you on the other side. The next time around, do your research before accepting any job. Who knows you may only be jumping from the frying pan into an open fire pit.