Tips & Skills >> Browse Articles >> Office Management
13 Bosses and How to Make Them Love You
Alice Handley and Kayla Baxter
Along with paychecks, deadlines, and overtime, bosses are one of the things you just can’t avoid in the workplace. But how to identify these strange characters and deal with them? Don’t go it alone — it’s a jungle out there. We show you how!
pearlmarie
3 months ago
38 comments
amusing... My former boss is a crossbreed of the patronizer and the innovator.
Anyway, whatever type my (past, present, future) boss is...I work WITH them and not FOR them
lexzy
5 months ago
8 comments
There are different types of bosses though but some could really be difficult to work with. i have seen the good, better and the best. Being your best all the time will give you a leverage
onedufulife
6 months ago
4 comments
Olanrewaju & LafifyG, I totally agree with you. I don't believe in kissing anyone's toosh, and I belive that it is extremely easy when you are just yourself. Putting on heirs and facades does not help. And it is EXTREMELY true.....only GOD promotes!!!
OLANREWAJU
6 months ago
142 comments
Climbing to the top dose not mean you need to pull those at the top down.
If you do, you won't last long and would destroy whatever you've built for years.
Only God promotes, just do your best!
Account Removed
7 months ago
I LOVED your article, in my 30+years of experience as an Admin, I've encountered everyone of these types of people, however, I've tried to apply tolerance and sense of humor....in the State of Florida there are no strong "Employment Laws" and you could be fired for almost anything, so in every job you find these types of characters, you just have to "grin and bear it" and if it gets "too out of hand", just get out, it's that simple....you were not BORN in any job and do not have to put up with abuse, I don't think ANYONE should! Thanks for the article, I've shared it with my co-workers and my bosses....
katinka
7 months ago
2 comments
I find myself completely at a loss as to why a corporation such as yours would EVER take such a childish and flippant approach to teaching others how to cope with difficult bosses. The "idea" offered about inside jokes and chit-chat could potentially cost employees their very job. This article does not teach how to deal with difficult people or situations. This article ATTEMPTS to show how best to GET AROUND and AVOID difficult people and situations.
How Irresponsible! Here's a thought; be true to yourself! Always and NO MATTER WHAT! Whether working for the Monster, the Miracle, or anyone else in between, NEVER accept nor stand for workplace harassment.
VERY disappointing article.
Julien
7 months ago
6 comments
Why do companies even hire these kind of people???? Why do people keep confussing bullying with leadership skills????? When did belligerence become "constructive criticism"? Keep a lawyer handy.
snue
7 months ago
2 comments
I am still waiting for the Miracle.
Account Removed
7 months ago
These are informative, insightful, true, and depressing all at the same time. I've worked for EVERY type of boss listed here. From my 1st paycheck-earning gig (@ the age of 14 @ a summer camp) to my current one as a Personal Assistant, and let me tell you, the only thing that works, is to STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF NO MATTER HOW TEMPTING IT IS TO CHANGE OR "ADAPT" TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION. My next job will consist of me definitely being me and everyone else being whatever they "think" they should be.
donns
7 months ago
2 comments
That is very funny i work half of the people you are talking at
my first job .
SaraT_CT
7 months ago
6 comments
Several of these practices are in violation of federal law, such as "starting relationships with subordinates." Sorry, that's called sexual harassment. While most are "at will" employers, that doesn't include dating your boss. You need to tape (visual or audio) & document, then get his sorry rump fired. This situation is about the only legally allowed secret taping without everyone's consent.
Nanci
7 months ago
2 comments
Mervie,
You are telling my story. I just started this position in March, this VP just doesn't like admins. It is like she gets rid of them because she is in a bad mood and needs to take it out on someone. I knew she did this in the past but I thought she ougrew it! I lost touch with her for the last several years when she started her own consulting business. She came back to the corporate world in October '08 and I am the third admin.
go figure.
mervie
7 months ago
2 comments
I've worked for a gamut of people, including the monster. My mistake was that I thought I would be the exception in the Monster's life, even though I was told she had gone through 3 EAs in 6 months. I was wrong and paid the price. Never believe you are the exception to a monster. There are no exceptions.
annmaeoka
7 months ago
2 comments
Funny...