Horrible Bosses: How to Prevent Your Work Experience From Being a SequelDubuque Circles Initiative Leadership Track Series

What is a Horrible Boss?

Identifying a Horrible Boss

Observe your boss for a few days Notice how many things they do well versus poorly When something happens poorly, ask yourself “Is it

truly their fault, or could it be something out of their control?”

Types of Horrible Bosses

The Micromanager The Slow-Coach The Idiot The Dictator The Abuser The Bigot The Scaredy-Cat

Managing Up

Ways to Manage Up:Communication

Communicate No Surprises Provide Solutions, Not Problems Be Honest and Trustworthy Be Loyal and Committed

Ways to Manage Up:Understanding Your Boss

Understand Your Boss’s Perspective and Agenda Understand Your Boss’s Preferences Understand Your Own Management Style Depend on Your Boss’s Strengths Recognize Your Boss’s Weaknesses Be Aware of Your Manager’s Hot Buttons Request Feedback Don’t Go Over the Boss’s Head

Ways to Not Manage Up

Participating in the gossip mill Criticizing your supervisor, organization, or project Participating in or contributing to office politics Minimizing your supervisor’s position, role or

contributions Promising what you can’t deliver

Benefits of Managing Up

Establish a mutual understanding of the project process and outcomes

Receive helpful ongoing guidance and feedback Minimize misinterpretations and miscommunications Benefit from each other’s strengths, knowledge, skills,

and expertise Focus on and attend to project priorities Create a respectful and supportive working

environment

Having Difficult Conversations

When Approaching Your Boss

Think about what you want to come from this conversation

Know your morals, values, and ethics Understand your job description Use “I” statements

Other Suggestions

Stay One Step Ahead Document Everything Use This as a Growing Opportunity: http://

www.cnn.com/videos/bestoftv/2014/10/20/orig-mike-rowe-career-advice-how-to-deal-with-a-difficult-boss.cnn

Timing Identify Triggers Use Couple’s Therapy Tricks Don’t Go on the Defensive