Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.
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Having a bad manager can feel like the kiss of death for your career, not to mention your happiness. But there are steps you can take to cope.
o First, don’t try to give your manager feedback about their frustrating behavior (bad bosses usually aren’t open to it anyway). Instead, put your energy into making requests for the resources and support you need to do your job. Be specific, and articulate how the request will benefit your manager and the organization.
o Another tactic is to find outlets away from work for socializing and reducing stress; a strong support network is crucial for dealing with an emotionally draining environment.
o If the situation doesn’t improve over time, consider exploring other opportunities in your organization. Meet with colleagues and managers to find out about positions that might interest you.
And be open to the possibility of quitting. If you dread going to work every day, and if you spend more time thinking about your boss than about work, it may be time to go.
Adapted from “What to Do When You Have a Bad Boss,” by Mary Abbajay
Here’s a direct link to dozens of other Management Tips.