5 Tips for working with a Bad Boss

Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky to work with the kind of boss that we aspire to be. Not every boss is actually a leader, and it can be hard to get on with your role while dealing with them. Maybe they micromanage and show no faith in your (or anyone’s) ability to do their job autonomously or they have no people skills and are practically a bully. Whatever the case, there are ways to get on with it and do your job as best you can. As I always say – be the change you want to see. You can always learn from a bad boss and leader too on what not to do! Hence why are on a mission to build more great leaders and bosses - wouldn't you prefer to learn from a great boss?

Here are my five tips for working with a bad boss. Whether you’re sticking it out, waiting for him or her to move on or just waiting until you can start your new job, these tips will help you cope.

1. Determine whether your boss is actually ‘bad’

Sometimes we can be too hard on people, or we’re just too sensitive. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your boss is the actual problem, and not just reacting to things that are outside of their control. Look at their good points versus their poor points and see whether the poor points are actually their fault, or if there’s a good reason for it.

2. Think about why they do and say certain things

You can identify their management style by trying to identify the motivation behind their actions. Sometimes there’s a good reason behind the craziest rules, and when you understand those reasons it makes it easier to deal with.

3. Don’t let your bad boss affect your work ethic

When you decide to put in less effort, take longer on your lunch breaks than you’re supposed to, or even taking too many ‘sick’ days, all you’re doing is hurting yourself. You’ll fall behind in your work and give your boss more reasons to treat you poorly - and maybe even fire you.

4. Keep ahead of your boss

If your boss is a micromanager, or just too hard on you in general, you can demonstrate that you’re capable of doing your work without being constantly managed. Start thinking of what your boss will ask you to do next, and do it before they ask you to. Eventually, they’ll see that they don’t need to watch you so closely, and hopefully, back off a little.

5. Create and set boundaries with your boss

If your boss has no boundaries and is just plain unlikeable, boundaries help you create some distance. They may not like it, but you need to do what you can to help yourself cope. Whether you’re simply not responding to their calls after-hours, or avoiding conversations that get too personal for the workplace, it can be hard to set boundaries, but it’s worth it for your sanity 

Working with a bad boss can really affect your happiness in the workplace. It can take time to find a new job, or perhaps you love everything about your current work, just not your boss. Whatever the case, these 5 tips will help you deal with working with a bad boss.

About Sonia McDonald

Sonia McDonald believes we should lead with kindness, from the heart, doing rather than telling and is known for her mantra ‘Just lead’. She leads by example in all these areas and through her one on one practical coaching, leadership training for teams and organisations encourages others to do the same. Sonia has helped hundreds of people on their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire and bring out the best in others.

For more than 25 years, Sonia has been on the front lines of HR. She has held leadership positions worldwide and through experience, research and study come to realise what it takes to be a truly great leader.

Sonia has an ability to speak bravely and authentically about her own development as a leader, personal and career challenges in a way which resonates with her audience. She is recognised as a LinkedIn influencer and has become an in-demand keynote speaker, starts important conversations.

She is an award-winning published author and writes regularly for publications such as The Australian, HRD Magazine, Smart Healthy Women and Women’s Business Media. Sonia has become recognised for her commentary around the topic of leadership, developing work-life balance, championing the up and coming leaders of tomorrow and advocating for women in business and male-dominated industries.

McDonald Inc. provides the BEST Leadership Coaching and Programs across Asia Pacific.

Keynote Topics

Sonia will give you peace of mind when booking a speaker. She is a proven world-class professional speaker with the skills to “rock an audience”. Her energy, empathy, kindness, sensitivity, and humour will enhance any event she appears.

1. Leadership Attitude

2. Just Rock It

3. Leadership for Small Business

4. Leading the Next Generations

5. Courageous Leadership

6. Future Leaders of Leadership

7. New Kindness of Leadership

Phone 1300 719 665 

www.soniamcdonald.com.au

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