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