As a psychologist, I’ve been shrinking heads and consulting with businesses for more than thirty years. Every day people tell me that their bosses are driving them crazy, and ask me what they have to do to stay sane. Here’s what I tell them:
The secret to dealing effectively with difficult bosses (and all other difficult people for that matter) is to approach them from their point of view rather than yours. Here are four of the world’s most crazy-making bosses, with a few tips on how to use this strategy to keep their craziness from driving you insane.
Micromanaging Control Freaks – Control Freaks offer a perfect example of what I mean by approaching difficult bosses from their point of view rather than yours. Your inner teenager gets irritated when people tell you what to do. You may think they do it simply because they like to be in control. Actually, control freaks are terrified of making mistakes. To keep them from driving you crazy, it takes reassurance rather than recrimination. Let them know that the project is as important to you as it is to them. Listen attentively to their lectures and take notes. Give far more progress reports than you think anyone would need. If you respond their fear rather than your irritation, they are likely to go and micromanage someone else.