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Almost every workplace comes with its baggage, ranging from lack of job security to low pay and even to problematic co-workers. By far, the worst of all comes in the form of bad bosses.
Despite taking time to build a career that fits your life and finally landing a job that fulfills your professional needs, dealing with a bad boss can leave you contemplating the decision to let go of it all.
It’s never an easy decision to make, but one study shows that people are more likely to leave companies and quit their jobs because of horrible bosses. This is when it’s compared to any other reason out there. With that being said, here are 3 types of bosses and how to handle them.
- The Manipulative Boss
Manipulation is all about power and control, so you are more likely to encounter a manipulative boss when there is a huge difference in terms of power in regard to education. These types of bosses have nothing but their best interest at heart, so do not get it wrong.
They have the habit of playing the guilt card, distorting facts, and are quick to play mind games. it’s very easy to agree to do anything just to make them happy and equally to avoid confrontation. To handle this kind of boss, you really need to learn to speak up for yourself. Privately address the specific situation with your boss and find ways to constantly set boundaries.
- The Marionette:
The marionette boss is exactly that – a puppet. Their philosophy is to protect themselves and their privileges even if it is at the detriment of a team member. They do not question the rules or ask questions, they’d rather follow instructions. In this age of uncertainty, it is not uncommon to find bosses who fall into this category as they are simply out to protect their jobs.
When dealing with a marionette boss, try your best to be empathetic and understand the pressure they are under. It is okay to vent out your emotions but never do it in front of your colleagues. Rather, pull them aside, talk to them privately, and be tactful when speaking.
- The Bully:
As far as bad bosses go, the bully comes in different forms. You’ll find that some are passive-aggressive, then there are harassers and bosses who are just plain old jerks. For the most part, these people know they have control over you and are not afraid to show it.
When dealing with this type of boss, however hard it may seem, it is important to remember that their words are not a reflection of you, but of who they are.
If it ever gets to sexual harassment, consider filing a complaint to HR first and see how they go about handling it. But if you’re not satisfied, you should consider getting a legal ally like WB&T LLP who over the years, has recovered more than $200 million for victims of sexual harassment.
At the end of the day, there are still many bad bosses out there, but you should not allow them to kill your dreams. Identifying a bad boss is one thing but before you opt and leave, it is only fair to yourself to find ways to address them. If you don’t think you’ll be able to cope, it is okay to leave that toxic environment.
