How to Survive a Crazy Boss

Handle a crazy boss with tact.

A crazy boss who is aggressive toward employees and makes questionable decisions is hard to work with. His behavior is also harmful to your productivity. Problems between coworkers cost companies an estimated $300 billion in lost productivity, according to the authors of "Four Secrets to Liking Your Work," Deborah J. Fisher, Edward G. Muzio and Erv Thomas. A crazy boss can also cost you your job. Handle this situation directly, but with tact.

Instructions

1. Keep a written record of the problem including dates, detailed descriptions and tangible proof, if possible. "Four Secrets to Liking Your Work" recommends you create two columns. In the first column, describe the problem. In the second column, record the evidence of those problems. Be sure to record how the boss's actions affect productivity, quality assurance or revenue. Do not list personal peeves.

2. 

   Even if you doubt the boss's ability, he is still your superior.

   Schedule a meeting with the boss. Even if you doubt the boss's ability, he is still your superior. Therefore, gossiping about the boss's failings to others behind his back is unwise. Skip the drama and arrange to speak with your boss privately.

3. Address your complaint in a clear, factual manner. This is where your written record comes in handy. Ask for an explanation and remind him of your rights. In "What Men Don't Tell Women About Business," author Christopher V. Flett says to tell the boss that you must be treated with respect. Move toward a solution that you both are comfortable with. Remember, your motive should not be to tell the boss off, but to reach a resolution that will help you both become successful members of the company.

4. Give the solution some time to work. You've addressed the problem discretely and directly and have agreed on a solution. After a month, revisit the issue and talk about what worked and what didn't work. Renegotiate if necessary.

5. Take it to the top. Do not let a problem slide if the boss becomes rigid about the issue. Flett says you shouldn't make excuses for the boss. Instead, take action. Go to the next level of management and state the problem in a clear, factual way, using your documentation to back you up. Do not resort to emotional attacks. It is best that you speak to the company's bottom line: profitability and quality.

6. Focus on your performance and let management handle the problem. Once you have taken the problem to your superiors, there's no need to address it with the boss any more. However, if the company doesn't deal with the problem and it continues to affect your performance, consider looking for a new job or exploring legal action.

References

• "What Men Don't Tell Women About Business"; Christopher V. Flett; 2008
• "Four Secrets to Liking Your Work"; Deborah J. Fisher, Ph.D., Edward G. Muzio, and Erv Thomas, P.E.; 2008