Boss from Hell: Dealing with bad boss (Anger management in the workplace: Part 2)

In the previous blog post I had talked about the colleague from hell which makes one lose ones marbles in the workplace. But a bad workplace is just as bad as a bad boss. The top reason why a person leaves a job is a bad boss. So what do you do when...

YOUR BOSS SHOUTS AT YOU FOR NO FAULT OF YOURS

One might immediately think of harassment. One might think that one’s boss is bullying. The immediate reaction may be anger and frustration. One might think of resigning or even shouting back.

Think: If it is a genuine case of harassment or bullying, the first reaction should be no reaction at all. If it is a regular incident, one can gather evidence to support the claim and then take it to a higher authority. One can even garner support from colleagues and fellow supporters.

If however, it is a one off case, and not severe or lasting, one may bring it to the notice of the boss. If the boss had no intention of hurting, he/she would immediately understand if an explanation is given to the innocence of the victim/ employee.

Do:Communication is essential. If the issue is harassment or bullying, help should be sought. Otherwise, there should be free and frank discussion with the boss about the behaviour which might dissipate the situation. In case of an apology from the boss, the employee may be gracious in acceptance.

Dont do: Make false allegation of harassment. If the case is one off and not severe or lasting, this might result in the termination of employment for false allegation. One should never lose ones cool and shout back at a boss. One should also not stay silent and let him/her get away with occasional abuse.

And what do you say of the boss who will inevitably call you when you are in the middle of a romantic candle-lit dinner, and ask you to make a client call RIGHT NOW!

WHEN YOU GET A WORK-RELATED CALL ON A VACATION

Resentment and frustration may be the result of work spilling on to weekends or vacations.

Think: It is now a common thing to be working on weekends or vacations for many. Sometimes if the vacation is quite long, more than 5 days or so, one might be expected to clear ones mailbox periodically. Also one should realise, people do not remember differences in time zones or movements of others all the time. If it is urgent, try to delegate the work to someone in the know. If it is not urgent, one may want to remind politely that one would deal with this once he or she is back.

Do: This is not a potentially damaging situation. If it is very urgent situation which require only ones own involvement, then one needs to put in that work. Otherwise one may either delegate or push the work till the date of return to office.

Dont do: Shut down all communication especially if it is a long vacation.

Also, use of racial or gender biased words or comments in the workplace is a definite no-no. It is not just disrespectful, it also shows lack of self confidence and perhaps also low self esteem in the person doing it. One is often tempted to say something rude and hurtful to the cause of the anger, but it is always going to be construed into your being unprofessional and irrational.

So while it is never a good thing to give in to the anger boiling within you, it would be easier on your career and image to take a deep breath, count backward from 100, and channelise the wrath into constructive matters.
The Hindustan Times Brunch article can be found here http://www.hindustantimes.com/Brunch/Brunch-Stories/Why-so-angry/Article1-1087690.aspx