The economic downturn is stressing bosses more, and making them meaner, according to a recent Newsweek.com article.
“I’ve been hearing lots of hair-raising stories lately about bosses who may have had a tendency to be mean but are now acting like full-blown Darth Vaders,” writes Eve Tahmincioglu. “Many workplace experts believe tough economic times and the constant drumbeat to do more with fewer people may be driving managers over to the dark side.”
Having a mean or even bad boss is a fairly common — if unfortunate — event in most careers. But there are definitely things you can do to help minimize the damage to your well-being and your future.
The article “Coping with a Bad Boss” includes some great tips, like giving frequent updates (if your boss is a micromanager) or take more initiative (if your boss is passive or incompetent).
You would also do well to cultivate some of the “10 Habits that Bosses Love.” My favorite: “Think one level up.” It’s sort of like the idea of dressing for the job you wish you want, not necessarily for the one you have.
