How to Deal With a Terrible Boss
There are many types of bad bosses -- bosses who micromanage, bosses who stand over your shoulder every waking moment, bosses who put you down, etc. But there are ways to deal with them. Here are some tips to help you avoid letting them get to you.
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Instructions
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Dealing with a bad boss requires patience
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Seek your boss's advice for issues you don't really need help with. This will make your boss believe that you wish to involve him or her in your work. Even if he or she is utterly useless to you and acts as nothing more than a drill sergeant, making your boss feel as though you value their advice will flatter them and build their trust, and in turn, give you more space to breathe.
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Be friendly without gossiping. If anything, killing them with kindness will strengthen your professional relationship with them and also make you appear more personable to the rest of your co-workers, or even your boss's boss.
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Offer to take on extra work or to help other co-workers who may need assistance if you are able to handle a larger workload -- this will make you appear much more motivated and could score you brownie points with your boss, who may in turn be a lot nicer to you.
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If your boss is particularly abusive, speak to them about it in private before attempting to go over their heads. Bosses are often insecure and mask their insecurity by appearing extra strict. Speaking to them about it honestly may help them change their attitudes and behavior, not only around you, but around others in the workplace.
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If speaking to your boss about their treatment of you is unfruitful, you may have to go over their heads and speak to a superior manager or HR official. See if you can be transferred to another department.
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Tips & Warnings
Try to maintain a calm attitude around your boss, even if he or she acts boorish. You are the bigger person.
You should not have to work in an abusive environment. If nothing helps, you may have to look for another job.
