Monster and Co. How to Deal with a Bad Boss

The chances of turning a toxic manager into the leader of your dreams are slim — but you can manage him effectively.

Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash

Hurtful, demeaning, intimidating… If this is how your boss behaves, this guide is for you. In it, you will find seven tips to create a correct relationship with a bully. However, should things get out of hand, we have suggestion number eight for you: employment tribunal!

1. Name the problem
Sometimes we overreact. We see a small disagreement as a war to the death. We demonise the manager who merely brought it to our attention. Think about whether it’s your problem. Maybe you deserved his harsh word. However, if your relationship with your manager has been keeping you up at night for a long time and reducing the quality of your work, it is worth doing something about it. You should act all the more if your bad opinion of your superior is confirmed by others. Most employees are rarely wrong.

2. Avoid gossip
Gossiping about the oppressor is risky — there will always be a slacker who will report it to them. That’s one thing. Secondly — complaining, apart from temporary relief, won’t get you anything. Your problem with the manager will remain unresolved. If you really need to talk to someone, turn to a trade union, a lawyer or a psychologist who can help you get some distance from the issue and get difficult emotions under control.

3. Pretend you’re not very bright
Don’t even try to prove to your supervisor that you are right. Avoid demonstrating to your superior your above-average intelligence, outstanding organisational skills or extensive network of contacts. Let go of his assurances that he only likes to hire better people than himself. When you overshadow him with your talents, expect to be punished. Put your pride in your pocket. Follow the words of the Russian Tsar Peter I: “A subordinate should, in front of his superior, have a lanky and dashing appearance, so that by his understanding of the matter he does not pester his superior.”

82% of U.S. workers would quit because of a bad manager. 84% could do the job of their boss. 83% could do their job without their supervisors…