Dealing with a Bad Boss
Many of us are experiencing, or have experienced, this situation. Your job is supposed to be fun, but a bad boss demotivates you and turns the work atmosphere into the unpleasant one. He or she could be bully, intrusive, controlling, and picky; never offers positive feedback and loves to criticize without considerations. Or, he or she might yield immediately under pressure and fails to support you in accomplishing your job.
If you love your job, resign is a difficult choice to take, and surely not the best for the first time. If you realize that you have difficult times in dealing with a bad boss, consider some of these points before you decide to resign:
1. Are your values compatible?
Sometimes, the definition of “bad boss” depends largely on the incompatibility between the boss and employee’s values or points of view. A hands-off boss may not realize that his or her lack of feedback and direction can contribute to failure instead of empowerment. A boss who is too controlling may feel insecure about his or her own job, without knowing that this over-directing is insulting for competent workers. A boss who is lack of training may be overwhelmed with his or her own tasks and fails to support you. Nowadays generation of workers expect that they can make work-life balance a priority, but not all bosses share this view.
2. Talk, talk, talk
Once you have found out the main problems, consider to see your boss and talk. Be polite and professional in describing how your boss’ ways may not be the best among his or her employees. Tell your boss about what you need from him or her in terms of direction, feedback and support, and try to focus on the company’s interests instead of your own. Seek a mentor from among other managers or more skilled peers, in order to broaden your experiences.
3. Ask for help from outer sources
If talking does not bring any solution, go to your boss’ manager and ask for assistance. You can also seek for advices from Human Resources staff. However, understand first that this step may not sit well with your boss, so consider your plans carefully before you decide to do this.
4. Draw co-workers
If the abovementioned plans are not working, draw together several co-workers who experience the same things. Visit your boss’ office to talk about the impact of his or her behaviors.
5. Move to another department
If the problems cannot be solved, you can ask for moving to another department (presume that you like your current job). Whatever step you take, make resign as the very last option.
