Getting up and going to work everyday is hard enough for many people, but a difficult boss can make things even harder. Many workplace bullies tend to pick out just one or two people to harass, and a bully boss usually uses his power to take advantage of or otherwise demean his subordinates, people he believes can not defend themselves. There are a few things that you can do if your boss is a bully. First, do not take the things that he says to heart, and never stoop to his level or try to get your co-workers to side with you, as this only makes the situation worse. Do your job well, and try to confront your boss, if possible, or speak with someone who is higher up than he is.
If your boss is a bully, chances are you have been demeaned and insulted enough to start to believe what is coming out of his mouth. One of the first things that you need to keep in mind in a hostile workplace is that no one can make you feel like a piece of garbage unless you let them. Keep in mind that you are a good and hard worker, and know your worth.
Many times, an angry boss will yell, scream, and otherwise try to humiliate his workers. Although it may be tempting, never yell back. This can exacerbate the situation, usually making it worse. Not only does yelling at your boss make you look bad, it can also give him a reason to fire you.
Chances are, if you have a bullying supervisor, you probably know what triggers him. For example, there may be certain little things that can set him off. If at all possible, in a hostile work environment, it is best to avoid these little triggers, even if they seem insignificant.
Do not try to persuade your co-workers to side with you or see your side of the story. Most likely, they have already seen or noticed what is going on, and they have drawn their own conclusions. Many of them may have even been targets themselves. Trying to persuade them that the boss is a bully can make you seem pushy. One or two of them may even report the things you say to the boss, making the bullying worse.
One of the best things that you can do if your boss is a bully is your job. Try not to go against his wishes, unless they are against the law or your morals. If he is bullying you, he may be looking for a reason to fire you, and being insubordinate can give him a reason to do so.
Confronting your boss takes a lot of gumption, if your boss is a bully. If you decide to do this, be sure to do it in a private setting, away from co-workers. His office or your office are perfect for this. When confronting him, point out the consequences of his bullying. For example, he makes you nervous, and in turn, you may not do your job as well as you could. Point out that he could use constructive criticism instead.
As a last result, you can talk with the human resources department or another boss who is higher up, and point out that your boss is a bully. This is usually an option in larger companies, but should be used as a last resource. In some cases, it could make things worse between you and your boss.
If all else fails, you may have to look for another job. Sacrificing your sanity and mental health is not worth working for a boss who's a bully. Instead of using your boss as a reference, you can use co-workers who realize your potential and know how hardworking you are as references.
