8 Types of Bad Bosses and How to Handle it #LikeABoss

You may be new to a job and trying to figure out the best way to work with your employer.

Or maybe you are a seasoned professional feeling like your new manager isn’t being a good boss.

But what exactly defines a good (or bad) boss and how can you manage your expectations? Here are 10 boss identities that are not quite ideal.

1. The task-pusher

It can get especially frustrating when your boss assigns you tasks that he has never had to perform before, so he ends up giving you unrealistic deadlines along with it.

What to do: If you already have a lot of work on your plate, be frank and politely request if someone else on the team can take on the work instead. If he gives you unreasonable deadlines, propose a more realistic deadline, while assuring him that you’ll get the work done ASAP.

2. The credit-sniper

If your boss is constantly pinching ideas off you or the team instead of offering them, this shows that he lacks the vision and ability to get the job done himself.

What to do: Share your ideas with the wider team and document your work, especially important projects, so you are prepared to prove your work if necessary. Bonus if you can find a work mentor at your office who can give you good career advice and is a reliable reference if and when needed.

3. The micromanager

Micromanaging bosses have poor leadership skills and zero trust in their staff. They tend to check on their employees’ every move and not give them freedom to take charge of their own tasks.

What to do: Soothe your boss's nerves by providing detailed notes and giving him daily updates on your work progress. The trick is to show you are proactive and organised so there's no need for him to worry.

4. The MIA boss

Such managers tend to think that they are above the rules of the company but coming in late, leaving early, taking very long breaks and making up random schedules is disrespectful to everyone else in the office.

What to do: Casually request for him to share his calendar with the team so you have an idea of when he will be in the office. Be proactive and communicate with him via email, phone or instant messaging. Take the initiative to check in regularly on your projects. Be sure to send calendar invites to set up meetings so there's no excuse on either side to feign ignorance.

5. The "favourites" player

Working for a manager who plays favourites makes it easy to feel less competent than others, especially if you're not being rewarded fairly for your performance. Such unfair treatment can sometimes lead to animosity among colleagues.

What to do: Don't compare yourself to the teacher's pet because it's not healthy and won't get you anywhere. Instead, try to secure time to bond with your boss, whether over lunch, after-work drinks or team activities. Spending time outside of the office can help cultivate a better working relationship and form trust. When there are tasks and projects to be taken on, volunteer for the job if your workload allows you to.

6. The "no life" workaholic

There are leaders who have no concept of personal time. They expect you to always be contactable at all times of the day and every day of the week. You deserve the right to rest and your boss should not be disturbing you after working hours unless it's absolutely urgent.

What to do: Set boundaries early on and let your boss know that you have handled the matter before the weekend and will look into any amendments on Monday morning. If the boss insists you put in extra hours, put in a request for off-in-lieu in compensation.

7. The "my way or the highway" ego trip

This is a leader who offers no room for other opinions. When you offer an idea, they immediately shoot it down without any consideration, which affects your team's confidence and autonomy.

What to do: Voice how you feel and convey to him that your opinions and insights are valuable too. If he thinks that your ideas and opinions are not feasible, tell him that you would appreciate constructive feedback instead so you can work better on future ideas.

8. The bully

There are managers who bully and make unreasonable demands, including some who shout at or speak condescendingly to staff, expect workers to work long hours regularly without compensation, set unattainable targets or repeatedly deny leave requests.

What to do: Learn to assert yourself in a calm manner and try to discuss things out. If your supervisor doesn't listen after repeated attempts, consider reaching out to another superior or your HR department. Form strong networks at work with your colleagues and know your rights as an employee.

If your supervisor falls into any of these categories, the most straightforward solution is to arrange a private discussion with him. Sometimes people don’t realise that they are being unpleasant to others and bringing it to light can help. Be specific and let him know what your career needs in terms of feedback, direction and support.

If talking to your supervisor still sees no change, you can make a report to upper management or HR. Refrain from complaining or gossiping about your boss to others as this may create further tension.

So should you find a new job? If working with him takes a toll on your health and emotional wellbeing, it's better to leave. But once you make that decision, do so professionally and gracefully. The job market is small so it's best not to burn any bridges.

If you're not willing to leave yet, explore other opportunities within your organisation. Look into other roles that may be of interest and talk to those in other departments to better understand who you might be working with.

If you're looking for more career advice, visit MyCareersFuture for articles to help you on your career journey.

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