49% of employees say their bosses are stubborn, while 43% say they’re overly demanding. Unfortunately, bad bosses aren’t all that rare – 60% of government workers say their bosses make them miserable. Because it isn’t always possible to simply change jobs, emotional intelligence expert Travis Bradberry shares tips on how to cope with a bad boss. In his Huffington Post article “How Successful People Overcome Toxic Bosses,” he explains how to neutralize common types of bad bosses.
- A micromanaging boss. Bosses that focus on small details too much can discourage and frustrate employees. Deal with it by demonstrating that you’re flexible and competent. Try to figure out what they’ll want ahead of time by asking specific questions and checking in regularly.
- A tyrannical boss. Bosses that rule with force and intimidation are usually concerned with their ego. Try to allow your boss credit, even when presenting your own ideas. You’ll also want to decide which battles to fight and which to let go.
- An impersonal, robotic boss. If your boss is only concerned with numbers and doesn’t make any effort to connect personally with employees, it’s difficult to feel valued. To deal with these bosses, always back yourself up with data. Scheduling in-person meetings and responding to electronic communication by stopping by their office can force them to make connections with you.
- A visionary boss. These types of bosses constantly come up with ideas and expect you to work out all the details on your own. Combat this by narrowing down broad ideas with specific questions. Explain to them exactly what it would take to get the plan done so they know what they’ll need to commit to and what the scope of the project entails.
