Career Advice: So-Your Boss Is A Jerk
But hold up a minute, you'll be well served to consider the reasons behind his behavior before you throw a fit. Understand, please, that I am not saying these reasons will justify a bad boss, but they do go a long way toward explaining what's going on. When you understand what's with the boss, you'll be better able to cope and to manage the relationship with him and boost your career.
Consider these scenarios:
1. Your boss doesn't know how to be the boss.
It may not be his fault. The workforce is filled with people occupying the position of boss who have had little or no training for the role. They have simply stayed around long enough to climb up the ladder by virtue of seniority.
2. You boss is dumb as a post.
He may be, but it could be that he just has a different way of doing things.
3. Sometimes he's moody, rude and abrupt. You never know what to expect.
There's really no excuse for such behavior, but the reality is you have to deal with it. Consider the possibility that your boss is reporting to someone who is riding him unmercifully to improve results. Or maybe your boss is going through a rough patch in his personal life.
4. Your boss is afraid to make a decision.
He may be scared out of his wits trying to fill a position for which he is not qualified. Maybe he feels that his job is in jeopardy.
5. He always insists that you do it his way.
Consider the probability that he knows more about the situation and the assignment at hand than you do. Maybe you haven't proven that your way is better.
6. He won't share information.
Maybe he is bound by his boss to keep things close to the vest. Or it may be that he doesn't have the information to share. Or it could be that you haven't shown you can handle information properly.
7. He never pays any attention to what you do and never gives you any feedback.
When your boss ignores you, he may be paying you a compliment in his own way. That is, he could be "ignoring" you because he feels confident that you will carry out your responsibilities without his looking over your shoulder.
8. He takes all of the credit. He is jealous when the spotlight shifts away from him.
These are sure signs of an inferiority complex. His ego needs feeding. Does he see you and others as competition for his authority? Are you being greedy for attention?
You no doubt have some relationship problems with your boss. Take a deep breath and get use to it. You'll always have a boss. Boss problems are a constant. Another constant is that relationships you have with your bosses along the path of your career will determine you success.
The basic strategy for building positive relationships with your boss is simple: understand the reasons for his conduct; support him and make him look good; where he is lacking know-how provide it; prove that he can trust you and that you are team player.
Perhaps you can help your boss to get promoted and you will be moved up to take his place.
Related Tags: career advice, boss, career counseling, bad boss, career success, career problems, problems with you
Ramon Greenwood, Senior Career Counselor for Common Sense At Work, is a former Senior Vice President of American Express. To subscribe to his f*ee semi-monthly newsletter and blog please go to http://www.commonsenseatwork.com/getitnow
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Ideas For Finding a Nanny Job
Looking after the welfare of children is a very important job. The role of caregivers in the present - What There is to Know About a Temp Agency
A temp agency is a place were skilled office workers can go to get work. There are a number of diffe - Discovering the Many Ways a Temp Agency Can Assist in a Down Economy
When out of money and unable to find work, often times can look hopeless. However, for many who have - Careers That Require Financial Responsibility
Keeping your finances in order is important for any adult, but if you want to work in certain career - What You Need To Know About Resumes And Cover Letters
If the ways of getting employed is composed of steps, the first task would be to come up with an imp - How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Hired
In trying to get a job, the person that you are going to impress, aside from your would-be boss, wou - Tips on How to Get Hired in a Flash
Unemployment rate all over the world is undeniably huge. But, the bigger problem that professionals - Tips and Techniques on Finding a Job Quickly
There are three ways on how you can get employed at the soonest possible time- that would be, knowin - Securing Your Lifetime Starts Now
If by the time you're 30 and you still don't know what you want to do with your life, it should alre - Occupational Therapy Jobs For a Career in Nursing
Occupational therapy jobs are undertaken by individuals who are willing to engage their skills in he
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Hollow Eyes Are Not Dark Circles Under The Eyes
Many people of all ages complain of dark circles under their eyes. The phrase "dark circles under th - Career As A Hairstylist
Hairdressing is an art that involves arranging hair for aesthetic purposes, participation in formal - Life After West Point Military School
West Point exists to educate and train Cadets who are commissioned as Officers in the US Army upon G - Work Experience In Fashion - How To Get A Great Opportunity In Fashion Work
Work experience in fashion can be one of the most challenging positions to find. It's a simple equa - Tips for Job Hunting in Today's Market
In order to be competitive in today's job market, you must stand apart from the competition. Just h - Who are the EMTs
You'll find them at Denny's. At least I always do. Denny's, Coco's, Perkin's; any all-night restaura - Hiring A New Assistant?
More and more small businesses and even larger companies are turning to virtual office assista - You Too Can Start an Independent Record Label
It's no big secret, the trick of how to start a record label definitely involves some cash and most - Increased Salary with a Medical Degree: Consider the Options
Physicians are probably one of the highest paid professionals in the world. They make a lot of money - 5 Steps to Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Here are 5 steps that I went through in becoming a virtual assistant. These aren’t official by