Almost everyone can recall at least one harrowing tale about a dreadful boss. I, too, have encountered five such stories, each involving a different boss. Here are the skills that proved essential for navigating through these challenging experiences.
1. Dealing with incompetence.
After the acquisition of a previous company I worked for, a new vice president took charge of our high-functioning public affairs group, which encompassed government relations, community affairs, external and internal communications, as well as corporate social responsibility. Despite my initial optimism, it soon waned as she restructured the team's roles and responsibilities into a convoluted, unworkable mess without seeking input or providing direct briefings. Within nine months of her leadership, over 60 percent of the team voluntarily left.
It became evident how incompetent she was when, during a meeting of senior leaders, she suggested, "Why don't we just cut the price of our product in half to gain share?" This statement revealed her lack of understanding of our business and flagship product. She never bothered to familiarize herself with its narrow margins, cost of goods, or manufacturing process. She was eventually dismissed after lasting another year.
Survival Strategy: When dealing with an incompetent boss, it's crucial to demonstrate and highlight your own competence. Acquire in-depth knowledge about your business, customers, products, and numbers. Become the go-to person within your team, as the organization can't rely on your boss.
2. Confronting a bully.
I have previously written about a CEO who summarily dismissed the best boss I ever worked for, a person cherished by both union members and management. When I expressed my opinion about the surprise firing, the bullying CEO responded by stating, "Good, I like to inject fear into organizations." This CEO personified corporate bullying. His tenure lasted just over a year before declines in customer service led to his ouster.
Survival Strategy: Whether in a school classroom or a corporate boardroom, facing a bully is never easy. However, demonstrating boldness is the key to surviving bullies in business. Others will take note of your fearlessness and may provide anonymous support. When organizational change unfolds, as it inevitably will due to the unsustainability of a bullying management style, you will be remembered and rewarded for your resilience.
3. The phony.
Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it felt like every week there was a news story about a high-ranking executive or CEO who had embellished their resume or falsely claimed to hold an advanced degree. I actually worked for one of those individuals. Despite the embarrassment caused by his career deception, he managed to hold onto his job. Unfortunately, the mishandling of this situation by the board of directors seemed to silently condone cutting corners, minor deceptions, and questionable decisions that negatively impacted customers and the business as a whole. Although he stayed in his role for several years and left the company with a golden parachute, he was never able to shake off the stigma of deception.
Survival Tactic: The key to dealing with a phony is to always uphold truth and integrity. Deception is not sustainable in work or life. The truth will always set you free.
4. The deal maker.
Following the acquisition of the first company I worked for, the CEO of the acquiring organization initially expressed a strong commitment to keeping the enterprise intact and growing it into a powerhouse in the industry. Unfortunately, this vision didn't last long, as an outsider known for making deals was brought in as CEO. Within three quarters, he had divided the company into three divisions and announced the sale of several strategic assets and business units. It felt like a fire sale.
Survival Tactic: I was given the choice of staying with the parent company, which ultimately declared bankruptcy despite all its divestitures, or sticking with the business unit that had a high-functioning leadership team that I knew and trusted. I chose to stand by my friends and colleagues over corporate, and I'd make the same decision today. Building quality relationships with co-workers and peers is crucial when dealing with a deal-maker who sees employees as mere numbers to be cut.
5. The ghost.
This boss was someone I genuinely liked and respected. We hit it off right from the start, and our offices were conveniently located next to each other.Wow, what a wild experience! I can totally relate to having to step up and take charge when a boss goes MIA. It's all about being self-directed and getting things done, right? I've found that taking on those extra responsibilities can really stretch you, but it's also an amazing opportunity to grow as a leader. There are so many tactics to not just survive, but thrive under challenging bosses. It's all about embracing the challenge and making the most of it!