What do you do if you end up with the boss from hell? Someone like Char – critical and nasty to everyone, an equal opportunity bully. She shot down whoever got in her sights. But she never went after people face-to-face. So, no one had the opportunity to question her or to present their side to her as she was making her attacks.
Anyone who missed a meeting, no matter the reason, could count on being raked over the coals. She’d point out all their mistakes and lack of effort, and suggest that the “offending” party probably won’t last until the next meeting. The public humiliation in absentia was crushing.
Nothing anyone did was ever good enough for Char. She could make everyone feel small and incompetent; much like when they were bludgeoned by their parents’ sarcasm and abuse.
To read the rest of this article from the Denver Business Journal, see: What to do if you’re stuck with bully for boss http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2010/09/13/smallb1.html
In general, my advice to people who find themselves with controlling, bullying bosses and no way of changing miserable situations is: “Get a life away from work hell!” The continued abuse will destroy you. The longer you endure bullying, the more your confidence and self-esteem will be beaten down. Eventually your spirit will shrivel up and you’ll feel too damaged to leave.
The better your performance results are, the easier it will be for you to find a different company to work for. But don’t act too hastily. Being without a job is its own form of hell.
All tactics are situational. Expert coaching and consulting can help you create and implement a plan that fits you and your organization.