It’s no wonder bad bosses often make it to the big screen: Many workers can relate. Nearly half (46 percent) of employees surveyed by Office Team, a leading staffing service, said they have worked for an unreasonable manager. OfficeTeam identified five common types of challenging bosses and tips for working with them:
Boss Type: The micromanager has trouble delegating tasks. This boss looks over your shoulder to make sure you complete a project exactly as told.
Coping Strategy: Trust is usually the issue here, so make sure you build it. Don’t miss deadlines, pay attention to details and keep your supervisor apprised of all the steps you’ve taken to ensure quality work.
Boss Type: The poor communicator provides little or no direction. Your assignments often have to be completed at the last minute or redone because goals and deadlines weren’t clearly explained.
Coping Strategy: At the outset of a project, ask for any information your boss has not yet provided. Diplomatically point out that these details are necessary to ensure you meet his or her expectations. Seek clarification when confused and arrange regular check-ins.
Boss Type: The bully wants to do things his or her way, or no way at all. Bosses like this also tend to be gruff with others and easily frustrated.
Coping Strategy: Stand up for yourself. The next time your supervisor shoots down your proposal, for example, calmly explain your rationale. Often, this type of manager will relent when presented with a voice of reason.
Boss Type: The saboteur undermines the efforts of others and rarely recognizes individuals for a job well done. This supervisor takes credit for employees’ ideas but places blame on others when projects go awry.
Coping Strategy: Your job is to make your boss look good, but not at the expense of your own career advancement. Ensure your contributions are more visible to others, especially senior management. Get information in writing from this person so you have a chain of communications to refer to, if needed.
Boss Type: The mixed bag is always a surprise. This manager’s moods are unpredictable: He or she may confide in you one day and turn a cold shoulder the next.
Coping Strategy: Try not to take this boss’s disposition personally. Stay calm and composed when dealing with this supervisor. When he or she is on edge, try to limit communication to urgent matters.
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