One of the main reasons that workers become unhappy at work is bad management. A bad boss can turn even a good working environment into an uncomfortable and unhappy workplace. They have the ability to assign good or bad tasks, and ultimately fire us. This power imbalance is why a good relationship with your manager is so important. You are not powerless to quietly accept a bad boss and have a responsibility to do speak up in an attempt to change the situation. However, you must recognize that some bosses are intentionally bad because they receive benefits to which they are entitled and you could be seen as a threat, in which case you must know how to defend yourself.
Step 1
Take action at once. It is vitally important that you do something as soon as you realize you are being victimized by a bad boss.
Step 2
Choose the right time to talk and never approach them in the middle of a meeting or when you see him in the hallway. Make sure you’re in a quiet, undisturbed place so that you have their complete attention, and you are calm and collected.
Step 3
Try to show how his or her actions reduce motivation, hurt business, or increase expenses. If you can, explain the changes that would make working conditions better, and make for a happier atmosphere. Suggesting specific alternatives makes it easier to make positive changes. Agree to follow up at a later date, to evaluate the new situation.
Step 4
Praise your boss when they get it right. Many managers never receive praise because somehow, it is mistakenly believed that praise should only flow from managers to employees. You may be nervous about approaching your manager to offer advice, but good managers are truly grateful for constructive, useful feedback, and will appreciate any opportunity they get to learn how to do a better job. Still, this article is about "bad" bosses - but when you have the chance to give them a good word, take it.
Step 5
Don't become the victim indefinitely. If you have truly tried to make it work between you and your boss, but they did not accept or appreciate your attempts, escalate your complaint to higher management. If that complaint falls on deaf ears (or if there's no higher authority to appeal to) it’s time to move on! Try to get an interview for another position within the company (with someone you know to be a great boss), or in another organization.
Step 6
Consult the EEOC (free) or an employment attorney (fee) if you believe you have been discriminated against and you are in a protected class. Some conflicts involve disagreement about what is legal. Whistleblowers who report violations may have legal protections, and may consider raising their concerns outside the normal chain of command. If the conflict arises from a fraud to obtain money from the government, whistleblowers may need to follow special procedures to protect their rights. The False Claims Act requires that whistleblowers with original knowledge of such fraud be the first to file their claim, and refrain from public disclosure of certain information about their claim.
Step 7
Keep in mind that there is a difference between a bad relationship and a bad boss. A bad boss is one who is intentionally mean or unethical and not receptive to dealing with you in an honest and open way. In this case, you must be prepared to defend yourself against false charges your boss could impose on you. Make sure that all communications between you and that boss happen in front of others.
