Sometimes working for a bad boss is reminiscent of a monarchy. Organizations are certainly hierarchical by nature, and your boss automatically has more leverage than you due to rank and title. We’ve all had our share of bad bosses, and sometimes the problem takes care of itself. If you want to speed up that process and get rid of a bad boss, these guidelines will help.
It is also important to note that there is something to be learned from a bad boss. How NOT to act. Below are some tactics that have successfully gotten rid of a toxic boss.
Keep a log by writing things down
When most of the team agrees that the boss is hampering productivity or causing division, work together to unite to overcome the bad boss. When approaching upper management, the team will have more leverage as a group than the bad boss. This approach only works if the group is a proven asset to the organization and has demonstrated success. Additionally, this tactic is far more effective when everyone keeps a toxic boss log.
Build alliances outside your department
More than likely, your boss’s influence doesn’t touch all of the executives in the organization. Network with other executives that don’t work directly with your toxic boss because they may not have any influence with them yet. Make sure whomever you choose doesn’t have a loyalty bond or commitment connection to your abusive boss. A great way to get started is to volunteer for cross-departmental projects so you can establish relationships with other department leaders. Working on cross-functional teams can improve your ability to transfer to another department or team.
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Keep your emotions in check, and don’t gossip
Keep your complaints to fact-based examples of their behavior interfering with the organization’s growth. Avoid idle gossip and dramatizing the situation. A personality clash could be to blame if you can’t develop a strong business case against your boss and their style. In that case, you need to work hard to evaluate your role in the situation. Find ways to change how you approach your relationship with your boss.
Talk to HR about your boss
When talking to HR about a toxic boss, it is important to be professional and provide specific examples of the issues you have experienced. Try to be as clear and concise as possible when explaining the impact your boss’s behavior has on you and other team members. Bring the log that documents the mistreatment or problems your boss has caused. Finally, remember that HR exists to protect employee rights and create a safe work environment for all staff, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help to get rid of a bad boss.
Persistence and patience
When it isn’t safe to voice your concerns, persistence and patience are excellent routes to take. Keep doing that if you are considered a valuable contributor and produce exceptional work. Find a good sounding board, preferably someone who doesn’t work at the same company. There is a saying around the government: “wait until the next election, and they will be gone.” The same is true in the private sector, except we don’t know when the election will be. Have patience and understand that, eventually, you can get rid of a boss.
Rather than spending your energy trying to get rid of a bad boss, spend your time trying to find a new job while your reference is still good. Additionally, you can try to coach up. Help your boss see how their behavior is ineffective in accomplishing the organization’s goals. Making them aware of their impact on you and the team goes a long way toward correcting their behavior.
Happy to help. Contact me, and we can work on your bad boss problem together.
Last updated on February 2nd, 2023 at 05:56 am
