What to Do If Your Boss Is Bad

 Leaving is difficult.

There are several reasons why people continue working for unhappy employers. In my 20 years of organizational consulting and coaching, some of the most frequent explanations I've heard are as follows:

• I lack the motivation to hunt for a new work.
• I enjoy my job, my coworkers, and the commute.
• I require the pay. I am unable to accept a pay reduction.
• No other employment exist that would be more ideal.
• I don't want to give up the advantages.
• I've put too much money into this business to start over somewhere else.
• This work is too lucrative to quit.
• I lack the qualifications to obtain a different position.
• The situation might imp

Many of the aforementioned defenses are based on common psychological principles of people. People who experience significant levels of stress frequently experience emotional tiredness, which prevents them from having the energy to look for alternative conditions. It's challenging to give up when there isn't a backup plan, and it's challenging to find a backup plan when one is feeling worn out. People who are emotionally worn out are often unable to imagine a happier experience, which leads to despondency.

Figure 1

Another psychological phenomenon that makes it difficult to give up something you possess is loss aversion. We often try to hold onto what we've worked so hard to get. This could include our pay, position, stability, seniority, social connections, and any other advantages we've accumulated over the years in the workplace.

Even though staying put might seem safer than moving, there are several risks involved. Those who work for toxic employers are 60% more likely to get a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening cardiac illness, according to a study of 3,122 male employees in Sweden. A poorer immune system, colds, strokes, and even heart attacks are all at risk for those who work for toxic bosses, according to other research conducted in American companies. These people are also more likely to experience chronic stress, despair, and worry. According to some research, it could take up to 22 months to physically and emotionally recover from a toxic boss. While the thought of leaving a job with a toxic boss may be frightening, the actuality of doing so can be even more terrifying.

How to control

It is important to treat bad supervisors seriously. If leaving right away is not an option, there are some doable steps you may take to lessen the potential harm of working for a toxic boss. While exact tactics will vary depending on the type of boss you have, such as bullies or narcissists, there are some overarching principles that can assist you deal with the circumstance.

Leave feedback out. Instead, make requests. Try to speak with your manager to find out what's going on; it's typically a smart idea. However, it's likely that a difficult employer won't be receptive to criticism of their shortcomings. To receive what you need, try being more explicit in your requests. Be precise about the tools and assistance you require to complete your work, and clearly state how doing so will help both them and the organization. Plan your schedule carefully and try to have these discussions with your supervisor when he or she is composed and cheerful. Be sure to plan beforehand, exercise, and anticipate responses.

figure 2

Engage the people in your support system. When navigating an emotionally taxing circumstance, a robust support system is essential. Be in the company of friends and individuals who will motivate and support you. Have opportunities to socialize and decompress outside of the workplace. Speak with a therapist, coach, or other qualified professional.

Investigate further opportunities inside your company. There may be methods to get away from a toxic employer without leaving your workplace. Make a case for your transfer by researching other openings in the firm that interest you, meeting with colleagues and managers in other areas, and considering where your abilities might be applicable.

Think about speaking with HR. Before you approach, look into the HR department's track record of addressing employee complaints. Inform them of the problems you are having with your boss and what you have done to try to resolve them. They might have already assisted someone else in a similar circumstance and they might suggest ideas you hadn't considered.

Plan your subsequent action. There is no quick fix for this; you simply need to begin your job sea

Be ready to leave early. If your boss is really toxic, they might fire you as soon as you give notice. Before giving notice, make sure you have your personal items, contact information, significant paperwork, awards, etc. organized. Make care you promptly and properly return all business property. Obtain official papers proving your return. The last thing you need is for someone to accuse you of stealing something.

Do not criticize. Avoid criticizing your supervisor in job interviews or even once you've landed a new position. Hiring managers won't notice anything except a whiny dissatisfied employee because they don't know you or your boss.

Reference

Harvard business review, Abbajay M, O7th September 2018

https://hbr.org/2018/09/what-to-do-when-you-have-a-bad-boss

Accessed 17^th August 2022