Boss from Hell

Some time or other in our lives, we will inevitably meet superiors duped as “bosses from hell”. I know, because I escaped the evil clutches of one a year ago. Am I glad I took the leap and believed in not only my capability but also in the existence of goodness in human nature. You may think that I am exaggerating here but after leaving for almost a year, it has been proven, time and again, that the decision I made was the best ever! Thanks to my ex-colleagues for filling me in on the unbelievable antics of the “boss from hell”. I remember the group of us joking about starting a journal where we duly record the tricks the boss has up her sleeves. And believe me, we can start a book with it! I wish my ex-colleagues all the very best in their situation.

Anyway, here’s another excerpt from ASOL. Hope it helps those of you out there who are still being plagued by the “boss from hell”.


ASOL - Coping With the Boss From Hell

Most of us work under someone, and unfortunately, nasty bosses can become a part of virtually any employee's life. Sometimes, the boss goes beyond just unreasonable or frustratingly incompetent; sometimes, the boss can be downright poisonous, verbally and psychologically abusive, creating great doubt and depression in their subordinates.
So, if leaving the job is not an option, at least not for now, how do you deal with a toxic boss?
Don't take it personally. If a toxic boss unreasonably insults or reprimands you, try not to internalize it or take it to heart. Your job is what you do, not what you are. Take the attacks as episodes - once they're over, forget them, move on to something that makes you feel nice.
A strong sense of self-esteem can also help you to handle your boss' attacks without personalizing them. Your boss' opinion counts, but so does yours. Believe in yourself and develop a strong sense of self-worth.
Pick your battles. Some battles are worth fighting, and others aren't. If your boss asks for something unreasonable but easy, perhaps you should concede. You will achieve victory by knowing that you avoided a longer, more painful incident by conceding rather than fighting.
Many people get into a war of words. But what's more effective is fighting with actions. You may complain to your boss that you're overworked. Yet he or she continues to pile on the work. A toxic boss may not acknowledge the problem until the work stops getting done. Even better if you can provide concrete evidence, documentation or manpower legislation.
Be selfish. Take care of yourself. In your quest to please a toxic boss, it's easy to neglect yourself. Don't. If you suffer burnout, physical problems, or family problems as a result of a toxic boss, it is you, not your boss, who will ultimately deal with the fallout. You must remember to take care of yourself first.
Use humour. Toxic bosses can drain you physically and emotionally. Humour can help to revitalize you. See if you can turn your boss' mannerisms, demeanour or actions into something that's amusing to you. Consistently let off steam! Laugh it away!
Dealing with a toxic boss is not the easiest thing in the world, but remember, you don't have to break apart now, you will live to fight another day, so don't take it personally, treat yourself well, and get plenty of comic relief!