How to Cope With a Bully Boss
At one time or another many of us will encounter a bully boss. Yelling and screaming are his modus operandi and he uses intimidation to get results. We've all laughed about this cliché of a boss in the movies, but if this scene sounds all too familiar to you, read on for tips on coping with the workplace bully.
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Instructions
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Prove to the boss that you're capable, and he won't be as likely to target you for his bullying behavior. Bompletely understand your job and what is expected of you.
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Figure out what sets your boss off, and try to avoid doing it again. If it's typographical errors in your work, run the spell-check before you turn in your next report. If your boss hates interruptions, find out the best time of day to approach him with questions.
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Use a calm, soothing voice in response to a verbal tirade to inspire your boss to chill out. Ask him what you can do to help rectify the situation.
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Remove yourself. The next time he flings an arrow of humiliating sarcasm your way, just smile, turn, get yourself a cup of coffee or head for a restroom break. This gives you a chance to compose yourself and your bully boss a chance to rethink his actions.
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Focus on your boss's strengths. How did your boss achieve his position? What can you learn from him (even if it means doing the opposite)?
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Be brave and confront your boss about the bullying. Plan for a time when your boss is in a good mood and address it then. Frame your criticism in terms of the boss's behavior, not the boss himself.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid the urge to shout back at your boss or one-up his last condescending remark. It could cost you your job.
Don't start or pass on gossip about the bully boss among your co-workers. If you need to talk, speak to the human resources manager.
Don't just take the abuse. If you're miserable or the job is affecting your health, do something about it. If you 're a good worker, chances are you'll find another job just as good as that one, minus the bullying.
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Comments
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I totally agree with rosyp. A bullying boss will go to great lengths to humiliate and embarass the employee. There is no pleasing a bully. I know firsthand. If you do something this way, they'll tell you that you should have done it that way and vise versa. Whoever wrote this article clearly hasn't a clue.
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this is the WORST advice ever.
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I know exactly who you mean...
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This one is all wrong!
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rosyp
Aug 13, 2010
This author clearly has no understanding of workplace bullying. Confronting a workplace bully does not work when that person is your boss. S/he holds all the power cards. Trying to "please" the boss doesn't work either, as bullies are irrational and they target someone and will make things up to attack them about even if that person's work is perfect. This article is dangerous. Do not take this advice. Do your own research.
