Help I hate my boss. How do I handle working with them?
If you are really at your wits end with your boss and you really do hate him/her, then here are just some things you can bear in mind to make life a little easier.
Understand their communication style and how they behave at work. For example, do they swear, shout or use certain bullying tactics? Try not to be like them or match their behaviour. Take them for what they are and do not react to it.
Work out who the boss likes and why and then try to take pointers from them. Work out why others get promoted and maybe you can copy their actions to get into the bosses good books. You do not have to be just like them but at least you can consider the things you may need to do.
Find out what makes your boss angry and uptight and try not to push his/her buttons. It may be that it is the very little things that annoy your boss, like turning up a few minutes late for a meeting – something you do not think is that bad but he/she does. Avoid these things at all costs.
Keep everything that happens documented. You never know when this may come in handy. Write down what they have said to you, how, when and what happened after. If it continues and it gets particularly unbearable you will have evidence of your past experiences.
Update your CV and have a strategy for the future just in case it becomes too much to handle and you decide to leave.
If your boss is particularly upsetting you, shouting or saying negative things and you are bubbling inside, keep it in. Do not grumble or shout back or even bad mouth them behind their back. You will be surprised what people can hear and how things get passed from one person to another. It is not worth it. Keep calm and put your head down and get on with your work.
Even with these techniques in place, your boss may still continue to be the worst boss ever but it will be easier to handle. You always know you can leave especially if you have a plan in place. Try out some of the above ideas and you will certainly find your boss more manageable.
