Four Types of Bad Bosses (and How to Fight Each One)
Bad bosses or managers who regularly disappoint you are common. This disappointment you experience may vary. Perhaps you crave mentorship and feel ignored, or you desire autonomy but feel in control. Or maybe you’d just really appreciate it if your manager would respond to your emails from time to time. You are not alone. A survey of 1,500 employees found that 24% felt they worked for “the worst manager they’ve ever had.” And the consequences of dealing with a bad boss can range from overall withdrawal from work to effects on your sleep habits, your relationships with others, and even your self-esteem .
However, in my years of working with managers, I have never met someone who intentionally did it poorly. Most people in leadership positions do the best they can with the skills, knowledge, energy and focus they have under the circumstances. In addition, relationships with superiors are just that: relationships. This means that it takes more than one person to create a dynamic, so employees also have some responsibility for maintaining a healthy and productive boss-employee relationship.
This means that if you work for a bad boss, you have some freedom of choice in how that relationship will develop, including how you interact with and react to him. It’s important not to get caught up in trying to change your boss or waste time wishing someone else was your boss. Instead, accepting them for who they are is the first step. You can then focus on your interactions with them.
Here are four types of bad managers and some tips for dealing with each one.
How to deal with a micromanager boss
Micromanagers are known for their intolerance of ambiguity. They do not allow employees to make their own decisions and monitor work closely. Micromanagers do this because they need a lot of information to feel confident and ready to do their job. Many micromanagers are also born from other micromanagers. This means that they behave the way they do because their boss does, and so on down the company’s leadership chain.
In such cases, try to get rid of the feeling that you are not trusted. This is probably not the case. Instead, give your boss everything he needs to be successful and effective in his job. Ask them how often they want updates and in what format. Do not hide information from them under any circumstances. Also, be prepared to examine your behavior and correct it if you are encouraging micromanagement. For more tips on dealing with micromanagers, check out my full guide here.
How to deal with a boss who acts like a friend
These managers seem to care more about what their team thinks of them than about making difficult decisions, delegating work, or holding others accountable. Often, “buddy managers” lose their leadership ability because they frequently communicate with their team or share too much personal information with employees. When faced with difficult decisions, they are unduly influenced by social interactions, struggle with concerns about how co-workers think of them, or trust some but not others (creating an unfair work environment).
If you work for a “manager of friends,” the first step is to break up. Stop being friends with your manager. By remaining too friendly with your boss, you become actively involved in every problem that arises. If abruptly cutting ties is too extreme, commit to not discussing work during communication. But even better, just stop hanging out in society. By creating distance, many find that their work experience improves.
How to fight the lone wolf boss
This is not a manager of managers. They act as individual contributors, focusing solely on their work and results while approving time sheets and leave requests. They seem to care little and pay little attention to team development. Some people enjoy working for these bosses because they have complete freedom and autonomy. But if you’re looking for mentorship or strategic leadership experience, this manager will leave you feeling unsatisfied.
In such cases, identify what is missing in your relationship with your boss and look for it elsewhere. If you are looking for a manager who is willing to share their experience and help you, find a mentor. ( Here are some tips on how to do this. ) Or, if you’re looking for a boss to teach you a skill, look for a refresher course or consult with a regular colleague. Ask them for career advice. These bosses aren’t too bad to work with, so you might as well just enjoy the freedom they provide.
How to deal with a jerk boss
This is perhaps the worst type of boss: a jerk. These managers lack self-awareness and behave in a disrespectful and abusive manner. These are bosses who are very difficult to accept for who they are; It’s easy to just not like them.
In such cases, first try to introduce them to someone other than your boss. Think of them as a son or daughter. Perhaps they are parents or volunteers at a local non-profit. Here’s the thing, assholes are assholes for a reason; they usually behave badly. But they are people too. Sometimes discovering their humanity can give you the patience to tolerate their antics. Then list all the benefits or positive aspects of working for them or the company. Post this list so you are reminded regularly. If their behavior is unethical or illegal, consider reporting them in accordance with your company policy. And by all means, look for another job if these strategies don’t work.
Bad managers are common, but the good news is that they are not everywhere. The same study that found that nearly a quarter of employees worked for the “worst manager they’ve ever had” also found that 64% worked for the best boss they’ve ever had . There are great bosses. If you’re working for someone you’re not happy with, either develop a strategy for dealing with them or accept that it might be time to find a new manager.