Surviving a Bad Boss
Work can be stressful enough without the added complications of dealing with a bad boss. It is said that employees do not quit their jobs they quit their bosses. Nothing can be truer when dealing with a boss that creates a hostile or toxic work environment. Some of them may not recognize they’re creating an environment that is not conducive to high-quality team performance others are blind and oblivious to their shortcomings.
Today we will look at three types of bad bosses that you may come across. There are many more characteristics of a bad boss, but these are the top three most often encountered.
The Micromanager
The micromanager is the first thing we think about when we hear of a bad boss. These individuals are unable to empower their people to perform tasks. Instead, they try to control every aspect of the process down to prescribing how it should be done. They may also hover over employees like an eagle searching for its next meal.
In dealing with micromanagers, employees must be direct letting them know what they are doing and the impact on the individual. The inability to let go is a character flaw of the boss.
The Inept Boss
The inept boss believes he or she is doing a good job, but it is obvious to the employees this individual is in over their head and making it up as they go along. These bosses do not know what the employees’ jobs entail. They tend to pile on work without knowing the complexity or time requirement. The inept boss refuses to listen to the employees, instead setting unrealistic deadlines to please his or her superior.
In dealing with an inept boss, employees must seek out a manager senior to the boss who is willing to listen. It is essential the employees make notes on the chaotic nature of assignments.
The Absent Boss
The absent boss is the direct opposite of the micromanager, this individual is totally hands-off and does not make themselves available to employees. This is especially bad when employees need to bounce ideas off the individual, need additional information, or get clarification.
There are many reasons for an absent boss; they may believe they’re empowering their employees; the boss was a micromanager or distracted by organizational or extra-organizational issues.
In dealing with the absent boss, employees must be direct letting them know that the lack of engagement is impacting their ability to deliver quality work in a timely manner. In extreme situations, the employee may need to solicit a higher-level supervisor to address the lack of engagement.
What are Your Options
The first step in surviving a bad boss is for the employee to address concerns directly with the individual. Some bosses are unaware that their management style is affecting their employees negatively. When brought to their attention, they tend to adjust.
The next step is for the employee to discuss the issues with the next-level supervisor. These individuals tend to have more experience supervising and managing and therefore could provide coaching to improve your boss’s leadership technique.
If all else fails and no action is taken or improvement is seen, be prepared to implement your exit strategy. Some organizations are unwilling to address deficiencies in management unlit there is a mass exodus of employees signaling there’s something wrong in a particular department or division. There is no need to subject yourself long-term to a hostile or toxic workplace.