If you’ve ever experienced the great shut-out from a passive-aggressive boss, you know how nerve-wracking such treatment can be. And if you’ve followed the dynamics of the “Terrible Office Tyrant” or “TOT,” you can easily picture your boss as a child who doesn’t get his way and chooses to ignore you. But you can empower yourself to manage this kind of boss – and create a less stressful, more healthy job environment for yourself. It’s a career skill you can take to any job.
Some TOTs simply lack good people skills. Try to remember if there were any earlier signs of this. Those who lack emotional intelligence tend to routinely practice avoidance. They haven’t developed the ability to confront uncomfortable situations and find it easier to just tune you out, or worse, blame YOU when things go awry, even though they were unavailable for communication. They may have learned to react this way through childhood, or this may have worked for them in the past in business – or both – so it has become a habit. Regardless, you’re left in the dark without a chance to address your concerns.
DO’S AND DONT’S
Dealing with a passive-aggressive boss can be a nightmare. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts that will help you with a passive-aggressive TOT of a boss.
DON’T DO THIS . . .
- Tackle Your TOT.
- Put Your Boss on “Ignore.”
- Sing a Sad, Sad Song.
- Consult a Psychic.
Do This . . .
- Schedule Regular Meetings.
- Level with Your TOT. – Sit down with your TOT and express your concern and frustration about being ignored.
- Repackage Your Ideas.
- Do Some Detective Work.