How To Deal With Nightmare Managers

Bad managers are the worst thing that can happen to a business.

They take a great team of staff and turn them into frustrated, angry workers who couldn’t care less about their job.

I’ve had quite a few nightmare managers (all at the same job; none of them lasted, surprise, surprise…) and whilst I still don’t have a one-size fits all solution, I have picked up a few tricks for how to deal with them.

1. Ask, "Is It Me?"

Before you go wild and gossip to the entire staff about your bad boss, think about the situation. Was their frustration justified? Did they catch you secretly texting on the job for the 1000th time? Did they ask for that paperwork again (that paperwork you should have handed in six weeks ago)? Generally, people aren’t frustrated or moody for no reason. Make sure your work ethic is up to scratch, and hopefully, it’ll positively affect their attitude too.

2. Check If They’re Just Doing Their Job.

There’s a difference between a boss just doing their job, and being a nightmare. Expecting you to complete a task, wear the uniform correctly or asking if you’re available to cover Mary’s shift because she’s sick does not equal a nightmare manager. You’d be surprised how many people in their first job forget it’s their boss’ job to do these things. However, if your boss starts acting unprofessionally, either by yelling, swearing or being inappropriate, you’d be right to think they’re ‘bad’. Those actions are unacceptable.

3. Okay, Your Boss Actually Is A Nightmare. What Now?

Some people thrive off confrontation and making those around them feel inadequate, unappreciated and upset. If your manager is continually treating you this way, my absolute number one tip of all time is to ignore it! Nothing will drive them crazier than you not fuelling the drama. Smile, do your thing, and do it well. Do not take it out on your customers or reciprocate their negativity. Trust me: I did this with the worst manager I’d ever had and it made steam come out of her ears. All she wanted was for me to scream back at her so she’d have an excuse to fire me. Instead, I focused on working well. Then she had to listen to the staff and customers talk about what a polite, hard-working, energetic girl I was. (Mwahahaha.)

4. Take Action.

Of course, depending on how bad things are, #3 may not be a long-term solution. If possible, report your nightmare manager's behaviour to someone higher-up. (In my case, it was a regional manager.) If you know others feel the same way, encourage them to report it as well. The more complaints that are lodged, the more likely your workplace will investigate and potentially remove the nightmarish person. Hooray!

5. Quit.

Leave this as a last resort. It’s not ideal if you need the cash, but ultimately leaving the job is the best way to ensure you never have to deal with this person again. If necessary, stay whilst you find another job. However, depending on the severity of the situation this may be the most reasonable, safest option for you.

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