How to Cope with a Mean Boss

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By Jerrie Dean
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Demanding Boss

Do you have a mean boss? Do you feel like you work in a hostile environment. With unemployment high, it is not so easy to just quit and get another job. Here are some tips on how to cope with a mean boss.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Know your boss! Is he concerned about punctuation, schedules or time off? Does he want his phoned answered by the first ring? Whatever it is, even if it seems demanding or obsessive, just go with it and stay on top of it. Knowing what makes your boss mean, means you can avoid setting him or her off.
Step 2

Know what your job is. Do your research, keep on top of data and be prepared to recite or present them to your boss. Don't give your boss any opportunity to justifiably criticize you.
Step 3

Don't try to get your boss in trouble by going over their head to complain. It very rarely works. Keep your criticisms to yourself and do not gossip about how mean they are. Believe me it will eventually get back to them, usually from a coworker that you thought you could trust.
Step 4

Mean bosses are usually temperamental and will fly off the handle at a moments notice. You never know what will set them off. They seem to like humiliating subordinates and will refer to workers as subordinates often. Keep calm and make sure that you are not alone during these tyrants. Document the incident and who witnessed it.
Step 5

Let your spouse know that you have a mean boss. Being able to vent helps, but also explains why you may be stressed. It can get so bad that you may start to think like a victim and you will not be able to find any long term consolation, so you will have to find it with help from your family and friends.
Step 6

Don't expect praise or a raise and don't take it personal. Keep your own records so that you can fight a bad performance review. Letting your boss know that you are keeping track of your accomplishments, in a friendly, casual manner, may keep them from going too far. For example, "The HR Dept. sent me a letter of thanks for helping them, I am going to make sure it goes into my personnel file."
Step 7

Go back to school and take classes that will increase your skills. It can be satisfying and help you persevere if you have a plan. Keep your resume up to date, and keep your eye out for any job opening. Attend job fairs so that you are knowledgeable on what employers are looking for. It also keeps your hope up that you will eventually be away from your mean boss.