| I've never worked for a boss I didn't like or | | | | easiest thing to do, searching for another |
| respect. Sure, some were better than others, | | | | job, having to explain why you left your last |
| but I never considered quitting my job | | | | one, and struggling to get a decent reference |
| because of a bad boss. Unfortunately, many | | | | from an ex-butthead-boss may make leaving a |
| employees aren't so lucky. | | | | difficult option for you. Instead, swallow |
| | | | your pride and try to understand your boss's |
| If your boss is a total butthead, someone | | | | management style and personality and adapt |
| you'll never get along with, admire or | | | | yourself to that. For instance, if he's a |
| respect no matter how hard you try, there are | | | | micromanager, give him constant updates and |
| a few things you can do. | | | | details on what you're doing (even if you |
| | | | think it's a waste of your time and he should |
| 1. Wait. Is your boss close to retirement | | | | just trust you to do your job). Effective |
| or promotion--or even better--termination? | | | | communication is very important, and it works |
| If so, try to bide your time and wait until | | | | both ways. If your boss is unclear in telling |
| that happy event happens. | | | | you what he wants, ask questions until you |
| | | | know exactly what's expected. During |
| 2. Bite your tongue. Keeping anger and | | | | performance evaluations or one-on-one |
| frustration bottled up inside is not healthy, | | | | discussions, ask him what you can do to meet |
| but neither is complaining about your boss at | | | | his expectations. |
| work. So if your family can tolerate it, vent | | | | |
| at home instead. It'll make you feel better | | | | 5. Go over your boss's head. This is rarely |
| even if it does nothing to help your | | | | a good idea. But if you've tried everything |
| situation. It may be tempting to complain | | | | else, and you feel that your boss is making |
| about your boss at work, especially if | | | | serious mistakes that affect the company (and |
| coworkers are talking about the same | | | | not just you), consider talking to his |
| problems. But resist that temptation! If | | | | superior. If you take this route, be prepared |
| your boss finds out that you are complaining | | | | with specific examples and proof, not just |
| about him, he'll have a legitimate reason to | | | | accusations. And realize that this tactic may |
| take appropriate action against you and make | | | | backfire on you (especially if your boss's |
| your life under him worse than it already is. | | | | boss is also a butthead). |
| | | | |
| 3. Continue to work hard. Regardless of how | | | | 6. Leave. This may be a difficult decision |
| your boss treats you, it's in your best | | | | for you, especially if you like your work, |
| self-interest to continue doing your job to | | | | benefits, coworkers and company. But you |
| the best of your ability. Stay focused and | | | | must also consider your sanity (and that of |
| think about how your efforts are helping the | | | | your family to whom you vent). Carefully |
| company as a whole. If you do a good job, | | | | weigh the alternatives and if you decide that |
| you may get noticed by your boss's colleagues | | | | leaving is your best option, do it right. |
| or even his superiors. Maybe a better | | | | Don't yell "I quit!" during a heated |
| opportunity will arise. | | | | argument. Plan ahead--update your resume, |
| | | | start consulting with your network, look for |
| 4. Try to improve your relationship. If | | | | another job. Your goal, if possible, is to |
| your boss is a complete butthead, this may be | | | | have another job lined up before you tell |
| impossible no matter what you do. But if he's | | | | your boss you're leaving. And even then, |
| only a partial butthead, perhaps it would be | | | | resist the temptation to tell him off. Try |
| worth your time to try to make the situation | | | | to leave on the best terms possible and don't |
| better. After all, this person may have | | | | burn your bridges. You never know when and |
| control over your advancement up the career | | | | where that butthead boss might show up in |
| ladder. And while quitting may seem to be the | | | | your future! |