What to do if your boss is a jerk!

Greetings:

One of the most popular articles I have ever written is "What to do if your boss is a jerk?" I wrote it years ago and it still pops up on other sites from time to time as well as in newsletters and blogs. Hmmm, makes me wonder what is going on out in the work world. You can view the article at Career Know How.

Recently I received an email from a person who has a difficult boss. He wrote:

I had a confrontation with my boss today and let her have it. She is always condescending towards her employees and never pays attention to what she is saying, especially when there are other employees around. I had made a minor mistake in something today and embarrassed me in front of 2 other employees by telling me how bad it was and why didn’t I have someone check my work before I shipped something out. Mind you, I’m the Director of Operations, webmaster, bookkeeper, illustrator, THE JACK OF ALL TRADES, the guy that gets it all done. I have a huge amount of pressure to get the things done right. Your article came a little to late as I had already went off on her. But I stood up for myself in the way she has been speaking to me all these years. I don't know if she is going to change, but know this, I'm looking for a new job. I think today was the day I realized how bad she really is.

This was my response:

"Nope your boss is not going to change. Usually when in a situation like you are in two things happen. You will have to twist yourself into the shape of a pretzel to make it work or your leave. Sounds like you are preparing to leave. Keep in mind that when you are interviewing you don't want to say anything bad about your boss, just that you are wanting to seek new opportunities and learn new things. Be positive about the situation. Also I don't know what the repercussions of your actions will be. Be prepared for that. You might think about sitting down with your boss and apologizing, I know that sucks, for your reaction and explain how you have been feeling. Use terms like "when you do this it makes me feel like...." It might just make things better in the meantime."

The most important thing to keep in mind if your boss is difficult for you to get along with is that more than likely that isn't going to change. In eleven years of coaching only once have I seen a challenging relationship with a boss change into a fair one. Usually when someone is in a situation with a difficult boss they end up leaving. Staying is an option, but it is a difficult one. On a few occasions I have seen it where the person gets fired. Remember the boss has the power and can and might fire you especially if the situation gets out of hand like described in the email I received.

I also advised in my article, "If you feel like the boss has done something illegal, you can always see a lawyer and find out what your rights are. You might also talk to someone in your Human Resource Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity person in your company. "

The best thing to do in this situation is taking care of yourself, your health and peace of mind.

Rachelle