How to Solve Problems With a Boss
Bad bosses such as Ebenezer Scrooge are enjoyable when you read about them, but working with one at work can become a nightmare. Real life doesn't always imitate literature, and you cannot count upon a miraculous overnight change to make things better for everyone at the office.
Solving problems with a boss who is unpleasant to work for sometimes means taking a look first at yourself to see if there are any areas that you need to improve.
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Instructions
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Examine the problems to see if there seems to be a common root cause--something that triggers an unpleasant incident. Examples might be constantly disagreeing with your boss over issues or insufficient communications either up or down the chain leading to unmet expectations or unexpected surprises. If an obvious trigger is discerned, then try to avoid situations where an incident may arise.
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Clarify vague information by asking questions about unsure expectations and time frames and what you need to do to be successful. Assist him in decision-making without being negative. Concentrate on meeting the bosses' needs. If he is having problems with his superiors that are spilling over to your workplace, then let him know that you are there to support him and he can count on you to have his best interests at heart.
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Create opportunities for your boss to look good and feel good about herself. Saying "thank you" to her when appropriate, providing an honest smile when she does something good and letting her overhear you praise her to another employee may encourage her to model her behavior to gain more positive reinforcement.
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Call in third-party intervention when the situation has deteriorated to the point that you feel you can no longer solve it yourself. It may be possible that a co-worker, the human resources department or the boss' supervisor can negotiate a peaceful coexistence to your relationship.
The HR department may have resources such as special counselors or advanced training guides to help you.
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Tips & Warnings
Prepare an exit strategy if the situation is bad and seems to be worsening.
Inviting a third-party into the situation may risk retaliation from your supervisor. Or, the human resources department may view the value of your supervisor much higher than yours and you may be the one who takes the worst of the intervention regardless of who is at fault.
