Bad Bosses

Let's be real, we have all had a bad boss at one point or another.

What's funny is, there are different kinds of bad bosses. Let's see which one you have/had:

1. The one that promises you all kinds of things but never follows through

2. The one who micromanages and gets on you about everything

3. The one where you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around

4. The one that talks "at you" and not "with you".

5. The one that lets their position get to their head

6. The inappropriate one

I have to stop myself because I could go on and on about the different kinds. And if I'm being honest, some of my bosses were all of the above, pretty impressive right? But what the heck do we do about it when we have a BAD BOSS? Don't worry that's why I am writing this article, to help you answer that impossible question.

First off, I want you to take a moment and establish what kind of boss you have, are they one of the things I listed above, are they all of them, or are they something else? After you figure that out I want you to reflect on it for a few minutes and recognize the emotions you feel when you think about them. Now that you have done that, it's time to come back to this article. I want you to understand something before we move on, you do not have to deal with this any longer. Life is too short and time is too precious to waste another moment somewhere that makes you miserable. I understand that sometimes we have to stay somewhere because you make really good money or because there are no other jobs available, but there is still something that you can do and you don't have to put up with this.

Let's start with tip #1

1) "Hey there is something in your teeth"

- Alright who has ever noticed something in someone's teeth and not wanted to say anything to them because it is awkward and you don't want to embarrass them? If you have done this, don't worry, me too. But when the tables are turned I get SO UPSET when people don't tell me I have something in my teeth and I walk around talking to god knows who, looking ridiculous. I would much rather someone of told me.

Now the point of this is because sometimes bad bosses don't know they are..well...bad bosses. I know it can sound crazy but sometimes they really don't. Sometimes they have to be told about their behavior and what they are doing so they can correct it. When I was a manager I made some mistakes and I am thankful that someone told me what I was doing instead of me walking around acting that way any longer. So give them the benefit of the doubt, try and approach them in a kind and empathetic way and let them know how you feel. This is the first thing you must do, tell the bad boss, there is something in their teeth.

WARNING: I know this is uncomfortable and truly should not be happening, but unfortunately it is. These are the moments that grow you and define who you are as a person. Be the better person and have an uncomfortable conversation. Also, it doesn't always go well, so do not go in with the thought that this will fix everything. Most of the time they go poorly, but the point is that you give them a chance.

2.) Build them up

I am a big fan of this one and have seen positive results from it. I like to try and invest in the bad boss. I want to do everything in my power to help develop them, that way at the end of the day, I know I have done all I can do. Now you do this a few different ways. You can leave them books to read, send them podcasts, encouraging quotes, and even making it a point to compliment them once a day. I know it may be hard and it may not feel good at first, but I promise it has worked for me. Im not saying it always works, but it can. But you have to remember that it doesn't happen overnight, it takes time like everything else. There will come a point however that enough is enough and it's time to move on. That leads me to the next tip.

3) Up the ladder you go

You have tried talking to them, you have tried to make them better, but nothing is working. If they have someone above them, it's time that you visit them and bring them your concerns (if they do not have someone above them, see the next tip below this).

I suggest calling a meeting with them and inviting other co-workers who feel the same way. It is always better to show that it is more than just you, it's affecting, it's affecting the whole work environment. During this meeting with them, you don't want to be attacking your boss or degrading them, you want to approach it in a very professional manner, stating the real concerns. It is also helpful that you are able to tell them that you tried meeting with your boss and it backfired and you even tried helping them and making them better. This way you can say you have truly tried to do all you can do. Most of the time, the higher-up boss will take this seriously and address the issue with them. It may be awkward at first because your boss will know that you complained about them and they may feel betrayed. But, they will know that they are walking on thin ice and try to be better, at least we hope. Now if this talk with their higher up doesn't work and it's unproductive then it's time to make a serious decision, are you staying or are you going?

4) Know your worth

At some point, enough is enough. You no longer should be living this way, and being treated the way you are. It's time to make a decision, are you staying or are you going? When I was in this stage of my life, I remember being so mad. I had got the job I always wanted, yet my boss didn't treat me right. Yeah, I loved saying I had the job I had but was it really worth my sanity? The quick answer is no. As much as it sucked, I knew I had to do what was best for me and that my mental health was more important than any job I had. It was not an easy decision, and it took me some time to do it, but it was the best decision I ever made. I am not telling you to quit your job right now, but I am telling you to try and create a better life for yourself. Don't waste another minute being miserable at your job, after all, most of our life is spent at work.