Ask The Coach:
The Boss from Hell
Question
I am a marketing analyst working in a technology company in San Diego. Six months ago a new manager was hired to head up my department. Since then, my life has been miserable. It is not uncommon for him to criticize my work in front of colleagues, change priorities daily and call me at home at all hours. In addition, he is hypersensitive to opinions that are different from his. Believe it or not, senior management loves this guy.
I'm not sure what to do in this situation. Do you have any advice?
K. M.
San Diego, CA
The Coach Answers . . .
At some time in our careers, each of us will work for a manager who makes us nuts. Some fall into the category of the absentee manager, one who is never involved or around. Others are micro-managers who need to approve every move we make. Regardless of the characteristics that describe our "boss from hell," there are basically three options available to us.
- Stay and learn to work with the boss.
Some of us, early in our careers are fortunate to have a series of good managers. When we first experience a problematic manager, it can be quite a shock. The world is full of these characters and in some cases, they produce dramatic results for the organization. If you choose to stay with this manager, there may be much to learn. At a minimum, you will be better able to deal with difficult people, and in some respects, become less sensitive to their mercurial ways.
- Stay and hope he moves on.
The more extreme "boss from hell" will eventually self-destruct. They begin to alienate customers and suppliers and frequently have very high turnover in their organizations. This option involves limiting your exposure to the manager and staying out of harms way. Only you can determine when the price of this option is too high, and then you need to consider option three.
- Find a new job within your company or with another
company.
Obviously you don't want to be driven out of town by the "boss from hell." However, there may come a time when this is the best strategy. In my experience, this is the option frequently chosen by the most marketable people. Eventually, these problematic bosses lose their best people and end up with mediocre staffs.
Life is full of eccentric and difficult managers. No one can make the decision for you to remain working for these characters or to move on. In your case, determine what is to be gained by staying and or leaving, but don't make any hasty decisions. Chances are you will run into some version of your current boss again in your career. When this happens, you will be better prepared to deal with him or her.
You may also want to read my article, "Managing Your Boss."
Copyright 2006, Mark J. Campbell. All rights
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