How To Deal With Your Terrible Boss

You like your job, but you hate your boss. You know that if things with your boss were a bit better, your job would be much easier and far more pleasurable. It's not always enough to find a job that you love; you have to find a boss that you can bear and fellow employees with whom you can work. Employees come and go, but bosses are usually there to stay.

So unless you plan on leaving and getting yourself a new job, is there anything that you can do to make your life with your shitty boss more bearable? Or should you just keep your mouth shut and take those lashes of the whip like a man? No matter how bad your situation, there is always a good way of going about things and helping yourself. You just need to keep a cool head and find it. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when trying to improve your stance with your boss:

1. Make sure it's your boss that is actually the problem, and not you.

Being a boss myself once upon a time and now being an employee, I can say that there really are two sides to each story. You may very well believe that you are doing a good job, while your boss believes that you are slacking.

Try seeing things through her eyes and figure out if there is anything that you can change in order to please your boss before having to confront her. Figure out exactly why you were hired and make sure that you do what you are there to do. If you do your part, there is little that anyone can complain about.

2. Just because your boss thinks differently than you do, doesn't mean that his ideas are any worse than yours.

There is a reason why we have a saying: “two heads are better than one” -- because they are. If your boss has different views than your own, it does not necessarily mean that you can't work together. You may have one way of doing something and your team or your boss will most likely have another. If you believe your idea is more efficient, then try to explain your point clearly and concisely.

If your boss still does not like your idea, try to figure out the thought process behind your boss' ideas and the common denominators or factors. You and your boss may simply have stylistic differences.

3. Your boss is only human.

Just like you make mistakes, so may your boss. If you truly believe that your boss is doing something that may hurt the company, then you ought to bring it up to him. But make sure you do so tastefully. Try to understand his point of view and where he is coming from; your boss may come off as larger than life, but when it comes down to it, he is only human.

Make sure not to come to him with only a problem, but rather with a solution to accompany it. Bosses have enough shit to deal with as is and will not appreciate you coming to them with additional stuff to add to the crap pile. If you found a problem, find a solution — then bring it to your boss.

4. Always talk to them in private.

No one likes being called out in public — especially not those that are in a position of power. If you have something that you wish to discuss with your boss, pull her to the side, away from earshot and speak your mind. But make sure to do so delicately and respectfully. Not everyone can take productive criticism well, so be gentle. If she comes off defensive, then back off. As long as she knows that you are concerned she will be sure to rethink her position.

5. Build a trusting relationship.

The most sought after characteristic by any boss is trust. If your boss can trust you then he will feel comfortable enough to give you more responsibilities. If you talk in private, then make sure your conversation stay private.

Do not spread gossip and do not spread what your boss asks you to keep hushed. In order for your boss to trust you, you must get the job he asks of you done on time and done properly. It's almost impossible for a boss not to like you when you get all the work done asked of you on time an with swag.