4 Keys to Effectively Dealing With a Bad Boss

1. Stay consistent.

To me, this is the most important key to dealing with a bad boss because actions speak louder than words. Consistent follow-through, consistent excellence and consistent communication build a vault of influence on your behalf. You may have a completely incompetent boss, perhaps one who is even less capable than you, but remember, true leadership is influence, not position. You may not have the title (yet), but your consistency will build rapport with your team and earn their trust for the long haul. After all, your reputation is more valuable than your talent or a big fat pay raise.

2. Don’t take it personally.

As much as it seems like you’re being thrown under the bus and ignored, it may not be about you at all. Truth be told, you’re not the only member of your team who has to deal with your boss’s fire on a regular basis. The next time you draft a scathing, emotional email message in response to a negative situation, read it to yourself (it’s cathartic, trust me), breathe, then delete it and start over. Deal with the issue, but do so professionally, tactfully and assertively in writing, and then follow up face to face where the core value for the relationship can properly function as the bridge to healthy, constructive communication.

 3. Manage your expectations.

It’s important that your desire for excellence, growth and great leadership doesn’t make you too idealistic. Honestly, this has been a challenge for me. I read a lot of leadership books and am passionate about developing my own potential (as well as the potential of others), but it is important to remember that we work with real people; people who make mistakes despite best efforts and who don’t operate perfectly all of the time. Everyone has a bad day. Everyone hurts. Everyone has weaknesses. Extend grace, my friend, because you’d desire the same.

4. Don’t complain to co-workers or team members and don’t publicly point out the leader’s flaws.

But don’t stuff your frustration, either. Here is a litmus test assessment of your present leadership capacity: Handle this situation professionally. Seek out a trusted mentor, your spouse, significant other or even HR if the situation warrants their involvement. Processing the issues will help you find clarity amidst the clouds. You can’t let your frustration taint your talent (most importantly, your character) and destroy your drive. Deal with the issue as often as you need, then make a choice to either go with the flow or go out the door without burning relationship bridges.

SOURCE:success.com