How can such a person be a boss you may wonder, but crankiness and eccentricities are things that even you cannot help when it's your turn to be a boss. But before tackling the problem head-on, sit and re-examine the situation.

Is Your Boss Really A Big Shot?

• Set the problem aside for a moment and consider how the boss got where he is despite his faults.
• What strengths does he have?
• What positive events have occurred during the time he's held his position?
• Is there anything you could learn from what he's accomplished?

This will shed light on the ability of your boss and the way to broach a subject to him. Also, by appealing to your boss in terms of his own values and aspirations, you'll help both of you do a better job. Finally, before saying anything directly to the boss, ask yourself how, what you're planning to say is likely to affect him. The more effectively you can relate your concerns and comments to his self-interest, the more likely you are to get a positive response.

What Type Of Boss Do You Have?

The Silent Boss

This type never says anything and you may never know what he wants from you. There may be no telling why a boss keeps mum. But you've still got the power to take the initiative and ask for three key things:

• Feedback about performance he likes or dislikes.
• Specific deadlines for tasks.
• A performance plan - including goals, steps, and the manner in which you're expected to perform them.

The Underqualified Boss

If the boss is less knowledgeable than you about the work, you may:

• Present your own priorities to him for approval.
• Look for mentors who can give you a broader view.

The Meddling Boss

This is the type who keeps watching your work and breathes over your shoulders.

• Ask exactly how he wants each task done.
• Focus on developing the ability to learn from and satisfy his standards.

The Disapproving Boss

If you are constantly worried about why your boss doesn’t like you, get to a more firm view instead of guessing his moods.

• Pinpoint when uncomfortable feelings began and how to solve them.
• Prepare ahead of time for encounters with the boss. Anticipating possible responses can help defuse their emotional impact and let you focus on the business at hand.
• Ask the boss if you’re doing anything to displease him. Or, describe the way in which you feel disapproval, and ask him where it’s coming from.
• Talk to trusted peers in the organisation who can tell you whether you’re reading too much into the situation.

The Discouraging Boss

He’s the kind of guy who constantly shrugs that "such things never work here" and keeps discouraging you.

• Find other mentors.
• Determine when and how the boss is most approachable. There may be times when he’s more open to suggestions. Or he may respond better to written than verbal presentations.
• Consider whether you should talk to him in a way that would make him want to put a damper on your enthusiasm.

The Exploitative Boss

This is the kind who assigns work and takes the credit; or burdens you with more work and makes time for himself for "higher" work.

• Master parts of the job the boss isn’t good at.
• Build networks within the organisation so other people can recognise your abilities.
• Volunteer to help other managers (with your boss’s permission) so others can see you at work.

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