Tuesday, May 21, 2019Los Angeles, California

Horrible Bosses: Are you one and how to deal with one

May 19-22, 2019 • Los Angeles, California113th Annual Conference

Learn more by visiting us at gfoa.org • #GFOA2019

Doug Farmen (moderator)Finance Director, City of Centennial, CO

Dr. Tanya S. Harris, CPAGeneral Accounting Division Chief, Riverside County Auditor-Controller, CA

Bryan KidenyDirector of Finance and Administration, City of Independence, MO

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Horrible Bosses: Are You One and How to Deal with One

By: Dr. Tanya S. Harris, CPA6

• Agenda– Characteristics of a difficult boss– Strategies for non-management employees dealing with a

difficult boss– Strategies for managers and supervisors dealing with a

difficult boss– Becoming a better boss using six syllables: hello, thank you,

and good job

Horrible Bosses: Are You One and How to Deal with One

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Characteristics of a Good Boss and a Difficult Boss

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Good Boss Bad BossGreat Listener Blank WallEncourager DoubterCommunicator SecretiveCourageous IntimidatingSense of Humor Bad TemperShows Empathy Self-CenteredDecisive IndecisiveTakes Responsibility BlamesHumble ArrogantShares Authority Mistrusts

• Practice empathy.

Strategies for non-management employees dealing with a difficult boss

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Perspective

• Focus on the problem instead of your boss.

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Perspective

• Work with your boss, not against him or her.

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• Figure out your bosses goals and priorities.

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Perspective

• Anticipate problems before they happen.

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• Work around your boss's weaknesses.

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• Praise your boss when he or she gets it right.

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• Keep in mind that there is a difference between a bad relationship and a bad boss.

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• Don't lose your sense of humor.

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• Be professional at all times.

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• Request a meeting with your boss’s supervisor.

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• Focus on productivity, not emotions.

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• Don't bad mouth your boss.

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• Ask to be transferred to a different department.

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Perspective

• Consider whether or not it's worth it for you to leave.

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Perspective

• Don’t burn bridges.

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• Understand the importance of your position.

Strategies for managers and supervisorsdealing with a difficult boss

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Perspective

• Know your boss’s preferences and adapt to them.

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• If you see a problem, what’s the solution?

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• Don’t let it affect your work.

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• Hold your own and stand by what you believe in.

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Perspective

• Don’t be timid.

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Perspective

• Think about what he or she is saying.

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• Stay one step ahead.

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• Don’t take it personally, don’t take it to heart.

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• Accept your boss for who he/she is.

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• Act as the leader.

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• Identify triggers.

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• Becoming a better boss using six syllables: hello, thank you, and good job – 80% of management failures or difficult bosses are due

to poor people skills

Top Management

Mid-Management

Lower Management38

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• It’s all about developing and increasing employee engagement.

• Definition of employee engagement– The evolution of a rewarding exchange relationship between

an employee and the organization where the employee’s passion and commitment to fulfill the organization’s mission and purpose are reciprocated with increased job satisfaction, motivation, rewards and recognition.

Harris, T. S. (2018). Employee engagement: The path to understanding public sector silent Heroes—Millennial accountants (Order No. 10931959). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2102539695). Retrieved from http://libproxy.calbaptist.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.libproxy.calbaptist.edu/docview/2102539695?accountid=9830.

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Please contact me for any questions: Dr. Tanya S. Harristsharris@rivco.org 47