Virtually all human interaction involves conflict from time to time and nowhere is this more valid than in the workplace.  At one time or another, we all have experienced feelings of frustration, anger, or even rage at the actions of a co-worker.  Fortunately, systems are usually in place to resolve conflicts if the “problem” co-worker is a peer.  The situation becomes much more difficult, however, if the “problem” is your boss since, by definition, he/she can be directly linked to your continued employment.

The constant tension inherent in working in an environment that is negative (if not downright hostile) can result in diminished self-esteem, anxiety, and sometimes physical illness.

Bad bosses (and good ones, too) come in all shapes and sizes.  Factors such as age and gender are totally irrelevant.  What unites them is one, or a combination, of characteristics including, but not limited, to the following:

• The Micromanager who insists on being involved in the most minute details and displays a complete lack of trust in his staff’s competence and judgment.
  
  
• The Workaholic who is prepared to devote every waking minute of her life to the job and expects her staff to do the same.  Work/Life Balance is an alien concept to her.
  
  
• The Hands-Off Manager who, under the guise of “empowering” his staff, displays minimal interest in day-to-day operations and provides little or no direction or support.
  
  
• The Inadequate Manager who has been promoted above his level of competence and knows it!  At his worst, he is not above sabotaging a highly-qualified employee who he considers a potential threat to his position.
  
  
• The Bully who berates her staff both in public and in private and believes that intimidation is a legitimate motivational tool.

These are only a few examples of Bad Boss characteristics.  Anyone who has spent a considerable amount of time in the workplace can, I’m sure, provide many others.  The important point to bear in mind is that you need not condemn yourself to a lifetime of Bad-Boss misery.  There ARE steps you can take to improve (if not eliminate) the situation:

• Schedule an appointment with your boss.  Do NOT accost him/her in an impulsive moment of anger for the sole purpose of venting.  Carefully plan what you will say during the meeting and determine in advance what result you hope to achieve.
  
  
• Be as diplomatic in the meeting as possible without compromising its purpose.  For example: You might tell the Micromanager that his concern for day-to-day operations is appreciated, but that you feel that the time required to report to him is taking time from performing your duties.  Perhaps a schedule might be arranged in which you could update him in greater detail but on a less frequent basis.
  
  
• You might explain to the Workaholic that, while you are in awe of her energy, you find that your creative juices become depleted unless you spend some restorative time with family and friends.
  
  
• DOCUMENT!!  Keep a file detailing every conversation you have with your Boss!  This is especially crucial if issues such as verbal abuse, sexual harassment, or discrimination of any kind are involved.
  
  
• If the situation becomes untenable, contact the Human Resources Department.  Bear in mind that Bad Boss will probably become your enemy for life, but can you really afford to ‘suffer in silence’ indefinitely?      

After you have taken all possible steps to remedy the situation and you realize that nothing is going to change, become proactive.  Begin searching for a new job in which your skills and commitment will be valued.  Who knows – some day you may thank Bad Boss for giving you the incentive to find the Perfect Job.