DEALING WITH A DIFFICULT BOSS

Do you work for a Bully, a Jellyfish or a Perfectionist?



"Virtually all bosses are problem bosses, in one way or another," says psychologist Mardy Grothe, and they often have a recognisable modus operand.




If you're suffering from a bad boss, chances are he or she combines several of these traits and can be dealt with effectively.




Here are some strategies for dealing with difficult bosses.




The Bully:




A new account manager at a small advertising agency watched co-workers cower under the boss's browbeating.




"He was like a schoolyard bully," the manager recalls, "and I've known since childhood that, when confronted, most bullies back down,"




So he matched his boss's behaviour.




"If he raised his voice, I'd raise mine," the manager recalls.  True to type, the boss started to treat him with respect.



Although standing up the bully often works, it could make matters worse, Grothe recommends reasoning with him after he's calmed down and explaining how his temper affects you.




"Some bosses have had a problem with temper control all their lives, and are not pleased with this aspect of their personality,: he says.




Whatever strategy you choose, deal with the bully as soon as possible, because "once a dominant or subservient relationship is established, it becomes difficult to unshackle," warms industrial psychologist James Fisher.



The Workaholic:



"Some bosses don't know the  difference between work and play," says Nancy Ahlrichs, vice president of client services at an international firm.  Worse such a boss invades your every waking hour, making it impossible to separate your home life from the office.





Ahlrichs advises setting limit on your availability.  Make sure the boss knows you can be reached in a crisis, but a a matter of practice go home at a set time.




If he responds angrily, reassure him that you will tackle any project first thing in the morning.




The Jellyfish:




The Jellyfish simply can't take charge because he's afraid of creating conflicts.




He refuses to establish even a rudimentary pecking order in his office.




So "you must take charge," says Lee Colby, a management consultant.




"Tell the Jellyfish:   "This is what I think I ought to be doing.  What do you think?"




You are taking the initiative, without stepping on your boss's toes,"




Building an indecisive supervisor's confidence is another good strategy.




If you can supply  hard facts and figures, you can then use them to justify any course you recommend - and gently ease the Jellyfish into taking a firmer stance.




The Perfectionist:




Pschiatrist Allan Mallinger, co-author of  Too Perfect: When Bring in Control Gets Out of Control, says "the Perfectionist's overconcern for thoroughness slows down everyone's work.   When everything has to be done perfectly, tasks loom larger."




To improve your lot with  a Perfectionist boos, get her to focus on the big picture.



If she demands you redo a task you've just completed, mention your other assignments, and ask her to prioritise.





If your boss is nervous about a particular project, offer regular briefings. By keeping the Perfectionist posted, you might circumvent constant supervision.




The Aloof Boss:




Many workers feel frozen out by their boss in subtle ways.  Perhaps he doesn't invite them to key meetings or he might never be available to discuss projects.




To understand your boss's inability to communicate, it's vital to examine his work style.   Find out what makes your boss tick - and speak in his or her language.




Understanding your boss can make your tenure more bearable.  And the skills you sharpen to ease a tense relationship will stand you in good stead throughout your career - Reader's Digest Asia.