What to Do when Your Boss Drives You Nuts

Do you work with a boss who drives you nuts? There is an old belief that we don't pick our family members. Well, most of us don't get to pick our bosses either. If you find yourself working with a boss who drives you nuts, these tips might help you make the best of a potentially bad situation..

Speak directly to your boss

Many people who work with bosses that drive them nuts, tend to talk with everyone else but the boss in question. If your boss drives you nuts, why tell everyone but never tell your boss? Instead of saying things around the office, bend the ear of a mentor for advice on approaching the boss. Do not make a potentially bad situation worse by complaining around the office..

Discuss change during performance review meeting

If your boss drives you nuts, pick the time to speak to your boss and you might get some results. A good time would be during one-on-one, career planning meetings or employee performance review sessions with your manager. The annual performance management process is a good time to share with your boss what you need to be successful in your job. This is a legitimate time to raise the issue without being accusatory. Identify specific timesf when, based on your perception, your boss's behavior might have hindered a more successful outcome for the department. Stay professional with all your communications.

What's in it for you?

Getting something you want can make it more tolerable to work with a boss who drives you crazy. Focus on your own personal career goals instead of on your bosses behavior. if nothing else you can be learning about what not to do in the future.

Don't bother complaining up the chain of command

Think carefully before taking your complaint up the chain of command. If your boss' manager thinks your boss is meeting outcomes; complaints from you about your boss could be perceived as whining and reflect negatively on you. Rather than tell your boss' manager that your boss drives you nuts, address office operations if you have the opportunity. The goal is to improve your job satisfaction not necessarily your satisfaction with your boss.

Fess up! Are you the source of the problem?

What is your role int he situation? Does your boss drive you nuts because he or she is responding to your behavior? Is there something you are doing that is aggravating the situation? Honest self evaluation must be a part of your strategy.