How to Survive a Mean Boss
Working for a mean boss is no fun. Fear of terror-filled outbursts and emotional temper tantrums from a manager plague even the most competent employees. Until you find a new job or transfer to another department, use these tips to survive working for a mean boss. Apply these strategies to protect your mental health, well-being and self-esteem at work.
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Instructions
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Mean boss survival tactics
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Make sure you are performing your job responsibilities effectively. Before you start complaining about the mean boss at your office, assess your work ethic. Ensure that your work habits are professional and stellar. Refrain from office gossip and any unprofessional behavior. If you are chronically late or cannot be trusted to handle standard assignments, you are an easy target for a boss with a mean streak.
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Focus on the work. If you love your job and would like to stay employed with this company, become obsessed with the details of your position. Unhappiness at work, particularly if you are working for a challenging boss, is contagious. Remove yourself from any discussions with your co-workers about your boss. Make a plan to work diligently in your current position with the goal of a job transfer or promotion to a higher position.
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Limit your dealings with your supervisor. If you work for a difficult boss, choose your interactions wisely. Plan your meetings in advance. Be well-prepared to answer any questions during staff meetings. Find a mentor within the company to help you professionally.
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Do not attack your boss in public. A mean boss prides themselves on verbal assaults and methods to instill fear in their staff. If you disagree with your boss, do not participate in any verbal confrontation in front of your colleagues. Seek a non-confrontational manner to discuss any issue. Communicate with your boss through the use of email or office memos to clearly state your problems without participating in a difficult face to face confrontation.
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Keep a work journal. To prepare for work evaluations and pay raises, keep a daily journal of your activities. A work diary can help you support any claims of unfair treatment or if you feel the need to report your mean boss’s activity to human resources.
How to leave a mean boss
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Make a transition plan. Determine how long you wish to stay in your current position. Start an aggressive search for a new job. Rewrite your resume and cover letter. Polish your interview skills. Look for new opportunities that offer increased opportunities to interact with a more professional manager.
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Gather professional references from other managers. When looking for new positions, a recommendation is required. Ask other managers that are in your division to provide professional references. Ensure that the managers are able to adequately assess your skills and abilities.
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Transfer to another department within your current company. If you cannot bear to work for this mean boss, look for new opportunities in another division of your company. Your current boss may attempt to block your transfer, but your strong work ethic and the recommendations from your mentors will help you make the transition.
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Resources
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