For most people, the logical first step towards dealing with a work problem is to approach your manager. But what if your manager actually is the problem? A recent survey from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) revealed that almost half of UK workers say they have left a job because of bad management.
"It's not surprising it is such an issue," says Ruth Spellman, the CMI's chief executive. "We invest less in our managers than our global competitors, and it shows. Most individuals never set out to manage people, and have not been trained to do so."
But walking out of a job is easier said than done, especially in the current economic climate. So what can you do to minimise the impact of a difficult relationship with your boss?
Don't
• Lose your temper in front of your boss or colleagues. Jill Walker, author of Is Your Boss Mad? says: "A trick I once used, at the moment of extreme mad boss's madness, was to gently approach them and ask if I could get them a cup of tea – if you teach them how they should be behaving, it can be utterly disarming."
• Let your work slide. Make sure things are getting done, even if your boss is a terrible manager. "Maintain a track record for efficiency and get others to pick up the slack if the boss is not doing their job," says Ellen Reeves, author of careers guide Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview? But don't do things your boss tells you to do if you know they are unethical, illegal or unfair," warns Walker. "It's you that will end up in trouble – and it's you that will be unhappy,"
• Suffer in silence. "As far as I know we only have one life, so don't waste yours being abused by a nasty, incompetent boss," says Reeves.
To Be Continued ....
