7 Bad Bosses And How To Work With Them

Welcome to the Fourth Edition of the Career Confidence For Women Newsletter

This newsletter will supply you with biweekly Career & Mindset tips and advice that will help you build your self-belief and manage your career.

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In this week's newsletter I'll describe the 7 types of boss that are difficult to work for and if you identify yours then you'll learn how to work with them. But first, check out my quote of the week below...

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"No one can make you feel inferior without your permission"

Eleanor Roosevelt

THIS WEEK'S TRAINING:

7 Bad Bosses And How To Work With Them

Have you heard the saying, “People don’t quit their jobs, they quit their bosses”?

This is so true because your boss can not only make or break your workplace experience but also your career. 

You may feel overlooked or sidelined by your boss, perhaps you are being micro-managed or even bullied. Then you are not on your own.

According to HR Magazine, nearly half (42%) of employees surveyed had cited their boss as the single influential factor in quitting their jobs.

The top reasons for quitting their bosses included a lack of appreciation (40.76%), being overworked (39.96%) and employee favouritism (34.64%). Does any of this sound like your experience?

The types of difficult bosses you might be working for now or worked for in the past are:

1. The Boot Camp Boss - Right or wrong, they’re in charge and they’re giving the orders, whether you agree with them or not. The ‘Bootcamp’ boss can be dictatorial, often intimidating to others and overly aggressive.
2. The Micro-Manager - These bosses are literally perfectionists. They are highly controlling, unrelenting and can often undermine people. They like to control all aspects of your work even though it’s your job.
3. The Visionary Boss - Visionaries aspire to a brave new future, but don’t always have the answers or resources to make it happen. Often, they depend on their team to understand what they’re hoping to achieve.
4. The 'Not Really A Boss' Boss - this type of boss likes to be friends with all employees, often wanting to be seen as an equal rather than their Manager. They’re likeable, but sometimes emotionally involved rather than being objective and can be a pushover. It can be hard to stay motivated and develop with this sort of boss.
5. The Workaholic - This boss will ‘live and breathe’ work, putting their job first above all else and working holidays, weekends and after office hours. They can be extremely addicted to work, unsociable and unrelenting, and expect a lot from you.
6. The 'Old School' Boss - These bosses have worked in the company for years but are too stuck in their old ways and can’t accept how times have changed. They find it difficult to embrace new ideas.

The Bully Boss - They’re ruthless, narcissistic, and even conniving to eliminate any possible ‘threats’ to their status. They intimidate and threaten employees to keep their control, and they value power and status above all else. It’s their way or the highway. 

Do any of these types of bosses resonate with you?

If so, I suggest that you remain professional and don't let their behaviour drag yours down. Try speaking up honestly to them and giving them the opportunity to respond.

Another way is to support their successes and proactively work around their weaknesses. It helps if you understand the 'why' behind their behaviour.

If the situation is beyond this and you are feeling bullied or in an impossible position then stand your ground and consider your options. Can you make a complaint to HR, have you documented their behaviour, who else can support you, or is exiting the role your best outcome?

It’s no failure if you can’t get along with your boss – just give 100% to things that are within your control and remember it can be a good opportunity to not only learn what not to do as a boss but to develop your leadership skills.

For more support watch my no-cost training on:

How To Get Rewarded At Work Even If Your Boss Makes You Feel Like A Failure

Or book a no-cost call with me to discuss your boss and I'll develop a personalised plan for you to help manage them. You can book your call at www.speakwithjo.com  

This is what my clients say:

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