Bad bosses, or managers who regularly disappoint you, are common.
This disappointment you feel can be varied.
Maybe you crave mentorship and you feel ignored, or you desire autonomy but you feel controlled.
Or maybe you would just really appreciate your supervisor actually responding to your emails once in a while.
Also, relationships with bosses are exactly that: a relationship.
Instead, accepting them for who they are is the first step.
Then, you’re able to focus on your own interactions with them.
They resist letting employees make their own decisions and monitor work closely.
Micromanagers do this becausetheyneed a lot of information to feel confident and prepared to deliver on their own work.
Many micromanagers are also born from other micromanagers.
Meaning, they behave this way because their boss does and so on up the companys leadership pipeline.
In these instances, try letting go feeling like youre not trusted.
Its probably not the case.
Instead, give your boss what they need to be successful and effective at their work.
Ask them how frequently they want to be updated and in what format.
By all means, dont withhold information from them.
If you work for a friend manager, the first step is to break up.
Stop being friends with your manager.
But better yet, just stop hanging out socially.
By creating distance, many find their job experience improves.
How to deal with the lone wolf boss
This is the non-manager of managers.
They seem to have little concern or focus on the development of the team.
Some people love working for these bosses because they have ultimate freedom and autonomy.
In these cases, identify what is missing from this boss relationship and find it elsewhere.
If youre looking for a manager who readily shares their own experience to guide you, find a mentor.
(Here are a few tips on how to do that.)
Ask them for advice on career advancement.
These bosses arent the worst to work for, so you might also just enjoy the freedom they afford.
These managers lack self-awareness and behave in ways that can be disrespectful and hurtful.
In theses cases, first take a stab at envision them as someone other than your boss.
Think about them as a son or as a daughter.
Maybe they are parents or volunteers at a local nonprofit.
Heres the thing, jerks are jerks for a reason; they routinely behave badly.
But, they are also human.
Sometimes, finding their humanity can give you the patience to endure their antics.
Then, inventory all the benefits or positive aspects of working for them or the company.
Post that list so that you are reminded regularly.
If their behavior is unethical or illegal, consider reporting them via your companys policies.
And, by all means, look for another job if those strategies arent fruitful.
Bad managers are common but the good news is that they arent everywhere.
Great bosses are out there.
