Working Woes ......

Bosses are human and are often afflicted to stress, frustration and work pressures. In the process they take it out on those nearest them. Like everyone else, they do carry with them a baggage from the past. Their life experiences, failures and  difficulties encountered, influence their behaviour and how they communicate with others. It is believed that managers who lack self-esteem, confidence or have an inferiority complex usually are prime candidates to becoming an employee's nightmare. Very often, the problem of difficult bosses stem from those managers having poor communication or people management skills.

There are two species of tyrannical bosses - the 'Conqueror' and the 'Manipulator' if I may add. Conqueror bosses preys on employees' weaknesses. They seem to find great thrill in treating the workplace like a battlefield. Once they find an employee's soft spot, they will pounce on it and the unsuspecting victim doesn't stand a chance. Manipulator bosses on the other hand are the smoothest of bullies. They fear becoming less valued if their subordinates gets any recognition for exemplary work. You may say that Manipulator bosses are backstabbers who'll go to frightening lengths to look good to their superiors. 

A sad but true fact is, a boss has control over one of the most basic human needs - the ability to earn a living. As such, employees in such a predicament often allow a difficult boss or manager to control them out of fear of losing their job. For those who are pushed to their limits by nasty bosses, the natural reaction is to throw in the towel. However the good news is that, there is always the other option - stay and learn to manage your difficult boss.

The first thing that unhappy employees needs to know is to understand what makes their boss tick - I mean, concerns and fears and where they are coming from. If you can undertsand what makes them tick and what affects them, then half the battle is won. It is also vital for employees to earn the trust from their boss. Prove your worth to your boss. Show your boss that you are reliable, trusworthy, effective and efficient. In addition, protect your boss's reputation as well. Every boss has his or her own weaknesses. Your boss must be assured that you are not going to expose his or her shortcomings. Sometimes employees badmouthed their bosses. When their boss finds out it will create more mistrust. You can be sure your life is going to be hell then. Once again, know your bosses weaknesses and protect them. There is also a need for employees to match the working styles of their bosses. If employees can blend in with their working style, there will be less room for aggravation. If you boss is a no-nonsense type who doesn't like to make small talk, then you should be conscise and to the point in your dealings with your boss. 

On the other hand, employees need to choose their battles wisely. Do not be seen as a rebel or a troublemaker. Fight for what you think is really worth fighting. They should have recourse to resolve conflicts with their superiors. Perhaps, when confronting your boss, you must leave room for your superior to acknowledge fault without actually saying so. This provides a back door for the boss. By not putting your boss on the spot, you give your superior a chance to clarify and you also leave your boss room to say the problem was a result of miscommunication or a misunderstanding. Before you go on a crusade against your boss, it makes sense to examine your own performance and ask if you are doing everything the right way. You need to see if you are contributing to the problem. If so, you will need to take steps to remedy the shortcomings. No matter how obnoxious you boss is, employees would do well to have a positive view of them. Try looking at the positive aspects of your boss. If you always have a negative one. you will never have a good relationship with your boss.

If you have worked long enough like me, chances are high that you have had the misfortune of working for some difficult bosses. They can be control freaks, domineering freaks, obstinate, rude or downright abusive. At times it had made me dread going to work. I had felt that my working life was controlled by a monster masquerading as a 'man-y-zer.' Felt very stressed out, fearful of being singled out and victimised and my confidence was even shreded into bits and pieces. From hindsight, bosses are human too. Perhaps, it may be wise to work with the devil that you know than with the angel that you don't know.

Happy Working !!!