I had a really bad boss once. Like, really bad. Did he pick on me? Yes, he did. Did I lose sleep over it? Yes, I did. Did it give me anxiety? Yes, it did. Did I survive and thrive? Yes, I did!
Bad bosses are ubiquitous, and the unfortunate thing is, you don’t know they’re going to be bad until you are already in their employ. Here are a few helpful hints on how to handle them:
- Bullies only bully those they can. Often if you stand up to them in a respectful but firm manner, they back off.
- Bosses are not your friend – don’t talk to them about your personal business, even if they ask, as bad bosses will use the info you give them as leverage down the road. Remember, this is a strictly professional relationship.
- Talk to them directly about the treatment they are giving you and tell them how it affects you. They may or may not care, but just make sure to follow it up with an email summary of the conversation. Keep that email safe.
- Keep a journal and write down dates, times, and specifics about instances where you were treated poorly. This may come in handy should they decide to terminate you or you choose to take legal action.
Key takeaway: no one should be mistreated at their jobs; do not normalize it or accept it. But learn from it. I never put up with a bad boss again.
