How to Handle a Boss

A boss who is a bully can be difficult to deal with.

A good manager can be a delight to work for, someone from whom you can learn effective career skills and a wealth of knowledge, and sometimes even a good friend. However, a boss who is difficult, unfair or a bully can make your working life miserable, lowering morale and--in extreme cases--causing depression or other physical symptoms. Knowing how to handle a difficult boss can be vital in rectifying the problem without compromising your professionalism.

Things You'll Need

• Diary

Instructions

Handling a Difficult Boss

1. Talk through your workplace issues and problems with a close friend whom you can trust. It may be that you have misinterpreted the situation with your boss to be more damaging and offensive than it actually is.

2. Speak to your boss, and explain that his or her words or actions caused you problems, and distracted you from carrying out your work effectively. Do this in the privacy of a meeting room, and be sure to speak politely.

3. If the difficulty or bullying continues, write your boss a memo or email detailing your concerns. Send a copy to your boss's manager.

4. Review the company's policy on workplace harrassment and bullying, and follow any guidelines or procedures that are stated. Many large organizations have third-party helplines or employee assistance groups that you can talk to in confidence.

5. Keep a private log or diary of each occurrence of harrassment or difficulty; you may need to refer to this if your complaints are escalated to higher management to provide evidence for your case.

6. If the bullying continues, make a formal complaint through the company's proper channels.

7. If, after these steps have been taken, the harrassment and difficulties still have not subsided, you may benefit from working for another organization. Update your resume and send it out to potential employers.

Tips & Warnings

• Always talk through your concerns with a friend, who may be able to provide a clearer perspective.

• Act with integrity and professionalism at all times.

• Making a formal complaint against your manager can result in a very uncomfortable and awkward working life.

• Continued issues can cause health problems. Make sure that you look after your own wellbeing before anything else.

References

• UK Net Guide: How to Handle a Difficult Boss
• Businessweek: How to Handle a Bad Boss