How to Tell a Bad Boss He's Bad
Turning a Difficult Situation Around Through Conversation
For every person who thinks they work for a bad boss, at least 50% have probably never spoken with them about the issue. Fix it with conversation.
How many times have we heard the story about the boss from hell? Too often, probably. But are we becoming hypersensitive to situations that could either be easily remedied with a conversation or are just not that bad to begin with?
According to a study from Florida State University and scheduled for publication in Fall 2007, 40 per cent of workers in the business world think they work for bad bosses.
But what actually constitutes a bad boss? Based on this study there are a variety of answers:
- 39 per cent said their managers failed to keep promises
- 37 per cent said their bosses did not give them the credit they deserve
- 31 per cent indicated their supervisor gave them "the silent treatment"
- 27 per cent reported negative comments from their management
- 24 per cent claimed their bosses invaded their privacy
- 23 per cent stated that their supervisor blamed them or other workers to cover up personal mistakes
Managing others is a difficult role. Too often individuals are promoted into the role of leader without fully grasping what that means or how to do it correctly and based solely on personal qualities like a good knowledge of the business, technical competency, or an easy-going personality.
When this happens subordinates are the ones who pay. They are now at a disadvantage, having to deal with bosses who lack the basic ability to lead. And, yes, while some of the answers provided in the study are irritating from an employee viewpoint, at least these same respondents are not dealing with a bully – someone who consistently demeans or harasses them. Now that’s a really bad boss.
So for everyone who has had to deal with their version of a bad boss, here are some tips on what to do.
Determine the Issue
Be sure to carefully define exactly what the problem is and be prepared to offer a solution.
Plan the conversation
Anything can happen; however, by planning exactly what it is that needs to be said it will make it easier for the employee to express his thoughts clearly and concisely.
Pick the Right Time
Don’t walk in unannounced and expect to have an open and frank conversation. Employees should advise their boss that they need some of his time and give him a general idea of what it is about. No boss likes to be blindsided.
Pick the Right Tone
Don’t attack. People need to learn to take ownership of the situation and express how they feel so that the boss understands it is coming from them. Employees may learn that it’s all been a misunderstanding or maybe they’ll find out there is something deeper going on.
Listen
Hear his side of the story. Most people are afraid to talk to their boss because they fear an explosive outburst, that it will wind up being a waste of time or that they will be fired. But all those people sitting at their desks somewhere and seething at the injustices that their boss has heaped upon them really have no right to complain if they haven’t taken the time to speak to him.
Talking to a boss to clear up any issues is a lot better than suffering the unhappiness someone feels when they think they are working for a bad boss. And running away – finding a new job – is not always the answer. Instead, try turning a bad situation around through conversation.
