HOW TO DEAL WITH A PROBLEM BOSS


    	The following suggestions, inspired by Harry Levinson's Career 
Mastery (Berrett-Koehler, 1992), are provided to help you out the 
next time a friend seeks your advice on what she should do about 
her problem boss.

Step 1: Re-examine the situation.

     Start by setting the problem aside for a moment.  Consider how 
the boss got where he is despite his faults.  What strengths does he 
have?  What positive events have occurred during the time he's held 
his position?  Is there anything you could learn from what he's 
accomplished?  Showing a desire to learn can help improve many 
manager-supervisor relationships.  After all, even the meanest 
managers like to have their strong suits recognized.

     Another way to learn how to approach almost any problem boss 
more effectively is to ask about her goals and how she would like 
other people to describe her.  What would she be if she achieved her 
wildest dream of career success?  And what can you do to help her 
feel she's well on her way?  You don't have to be a sycophant to help 
your boss see you as an ally.  By appealing to her in terms of her 
own values and aspirations, you'll help both of you do a better job.

     Finally, before saying anything directly to the boss, ask yourself 
how what you're planning to say is likely to affect him.  The more 
effectively you can relate your concerns and comments to his self-
interest, the more likely you are to get a positive response.


Step 2: Tailor your approach to fit the problem.

     The above may be all the advice some of your friends need.  But 
others may say, "Okay--but my boss is special."  For them, here's a 
sample of "special" boss behaviors, and how to deal with them.


The Silent Boss

     "I never know what he wants from me because he never says 
anything," one friend may complain.

     There may be no telling why a boss keeps mum.  But you've still 
got the power to take the initiative and ask for three key things:

1.  Feedback about performance he likes or dislikes

2.  Specific deadlines for tasks

3.  A performance plan--including goals, steps, and the manner in 
which you're expected to perform them.

The Underqualified Boss

     "She doesn't know any more than I do," another friend may say.  
In that case:

1.  Present your own priorities to her for approval.

2.  Look for mentors who can give you a broader view.

The Meddling Boss

     "He's always watching over my shoulder," you hear.  With such 
bosses, it's best to:

1.  Ask exactly how he wants each task done.

2.  Focus on developing the ability to learn from and satisfy his 
standards.

The Disapproving Boss

     "The boss just doesn't seem to like me," your friend tells you.  "I 
don't know why."  To get on more solid ground:

1.  Pinpoint when uncomfortable feelings began--and determine 
what might be done now to diminish the factors causing conflict.

2.  Prepare ahead of time for encounters with the boss.  Anticipating 
possible responses can help defuse their emotional impact and let 
you focus on the business at hand. 

3.  Ask the boss if you're doing anything to displease her.  If you 
think you know what it is, offer a solution.  If not, describe the way 
in which you feel disapproval, and ask her where it's coming from.

4.  Talk to trusted peers in the organization who can tell you whether 
you're reading too much into the situation.

The Discouraging Boss

     He constantly says things like, "It'll never work here."  What can 
your friend do?

1.  Find other mentors.

2.  Determine when and how the boss is most approachable.  There 
may be times when he's more open to suggestions.  Or he may 
respond better to written than verbal presentations.

3.  Consider whether you talk down to him, or threaten him in any 
way that would make him want to put a damper on your enthusiasm.

The Exploitive Boss

     What can you say to friends whose bosses take credit for their 
work?

1.  Master parts of the job the boss isn't good at.

2.  Build networks within the organization so other people can 
recognize your abilities.

3.  Volunteer to help other managers (with your boss's permission) 
so others can see you at work.

     Finally, your friends may ask if they should go over their bosses' 
heads.  In the vast majority of cases, the answer is "No."  Unless it's 
an extremely serious case, like harassment, there is probably not 
much your boss's boss could do, even if she wanted to.  In most 
cases, when you have a problem boss, it's up to you to solve the 
problem.  

Does that help? YES or NO