Handling a Boss with Two Faces: What to Do (Or Not Do)

Do Your Best to Keep Up A Respectable, Though Distant, Relationship

Maintaining a passably positive relationship with our boss is still a good idea, even if we are aware of their true nature. Employees must fight their deceitful employers because they can harm us more than we can harm them (e.g., through workload, promotions, and credibility).

Never Take Your Boss's Statements or Deeds at Face Value

I advise against taking it personally when your boss shows you love or treats you well. Encouragement and compliments make us feel good, so it feels wrong to take away from our own joy. Regretfully, a nasty boss might offer compliments less out of genuineness and more out of manipulation.

Do Build Trust with Your Colleagues

When it suits them, a boss who is dishonest is likely to incite conflict among their employees. These kinds of bosses will do everything in their power to stoke conflict and drive a wedge between their employees so they can more easily "rule over them"—after all, it's simpler to control a divided workforce.

Keep Your Boss Out of Any Gossip

It's never appropriate for us to engage in gossip with a boss who is dishonest.

Do, as much as possible, maintain detailed records

I suggest meticulously recording everything you can about the work your duplicitous boss assigns you, as well as their remarks, whether it be through email or minutes from meetings. A cunning supervisor takes pleasure in lying and grey areas; routinely and thoroughly documenting work-related incidents robs them of this power.

Don't Let Fear Rule Your Life: Take Position

It might seem, after reading the previous sections that I'm advocating that you should submit to your manipulative boss instead of confronting them. Being impartial, aloof, and professional is necessary, but that does not mean turning into a doormat. Being direct and forceful in the workplace doesn't have to mean being a jerk.

Yes, it can be annoying to have a boss who isn't entirely honest. Working with them will never be enjoyable or fun. Knowing what to look for will at least allow you to recognize your boss for what they truly are and take appropriate action. Your boss's power in this area decreases with your level of initiative and knowledge. I appreciate you reading, and I hope this was helpful.