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Many of us have had to work for bizarre and quirky bosses who wreck our schedules.
Now LinkedIn has announced a series of guides to help people work better with difficult bosses, from the quiet ones to those who just keep changing their moods.
Charlotte Davies, the site’s career expert, said, “Most of us will have had some challenging experiences with a boss at some point in our careers.
“A bad manager can not only disrupt our work, but can seriously hinder career development, so it’s important to know how to deal with it and when to ask for help.
“All managers and workplaces are different, but in general, the best strategy for resolving any issues with your boss is to be clear and honest about your needs and feelings.
“You can keep it respectful and professional without letting it fester — it’s always best to address issues as early as possible.”
Here, FEMAIL reveals five types of tough bosses, where to find them and how to deal with their management styles…
A micromanaging boss feels the need to control every aspect of your work and never lets you make decisions or take on projects of your own without running it through them first, while the night owl boss messages you about work at unsavory hours, waiting for a quick answer (stock image)
THE SPIRIT BOSS
This is the boss who lets you do all the work and gives you little to no guidance.
One minute they’re by your side and the next they’re “in a meeting,” on “do not disturb,” or just out of reach.
Anyway, whatever you’ve been working on, you’re on your own.
Where to find them: Everywhere, except online when you need them. Ghost Bosses are known to only appear when their own boss is around…
TIP: Having an absent manager can be a very frustrating and alienating experience.
While dealing with a ghost boss can be tricky, it can also be an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills by taking charge of the situation and showing initiative in carrying out projects when your boss is nowhere to be found.
Be specific with your boss about where you need more guidance and choose your battles, such as when an important project is coming up.
It may also be a good idea to find a mentor within your company to turn to for career advice if you don’t feel like your boss is getting it.
THE NIGHT OWL BOSS
The night owl boss sends you messages about work at unsavory hours, waiting for a quick reply.
Even if you’ve left the office or closed your laptop at home with the intention of turning it off, there’s always “something else” they want help with.
The end of your workday may be 6:00 PM, but your boss is just getting started.
Where to find them: In your DMs, missed calls or WhatsApp late at night, or lurking in the shadows of Slack or Microsoft Teams.
TIP: We’ve all had to work overtime for an important meeting or presentation, but if your boss tries to reach you regularly outside of work hours, you know something isn’t right.
Setting clear boundaries and pushing back in these scenarios is difficult, but crucial if you want to prevent burnout later.
Be sure to set these boundaries early in your career and communicate your boundaries clearly.
Career expert Charlotte Davies (pictured) of job center LinkedIn said the best way to deal with a difficult branch is to be honest with them about your needs
THE MULTIMOOD BOSS
They can be calm and measured one minute, angry and irrational the next.
Like Jekyll and Hyde, you never know what mood to expect and what will make them explode.
The multimood boss is particularly difficult to work with and can make you jittery during the workday, unsure if you’re doing a good job, or if it’s just their mood.
Where to find them: Sing your praises from the rooftops, or give you a very public narration.
TIP: Regardless of the circumstances, rudeness is never the answer.
LinkedIn research found that 60 percent of UK professionals said talking to a colleague or boss for an open conversation when anger helped them calm down.
Try to stay relaxed and cover up the situation by asking for a private meeting, where you can resolve any issues and discuss how their behavior makes you feel.
If this is an ongoing problem rather than a one-time outburst, and your boss is harassing or bullying you, report it to HR or a senior employee.
THE SILENT BOSS
They quietly move meetings and deadlines and edit your work without consulting you.
Their changes leave you questioning everything and constantly feeling confused and on the back foot.
Where to find them: While you’ll rarely see or speak to them in person, watch out for the silent boss lurking in shared documents and calendars.
TIP: Deadline changes and calendar changes without your knowledge can be very frustrating.
Communicating openly with your boss and letting them know how their behavior affects you is key.
There may be an outside source, such as a client or senior stakeholder, moving the goalposts as your manager tries to keep up, so understanding their perspective can help you realign your common goals.
Having a ghost boss means they’re next to you one minute and ‘in a meeting’, on ‘do not disturb’ or just unreachable the next (Stock Image)
THE MICRO MANAGEMENT BOSS
The type of boss who feels the need to control every aspect of your work and never lets you make decisions or make your own projects without letting them do it first.
“May I have a look at that before you forward it” is a phrase you hear every hour with this boss.
And what you thought would be a five-minute task at the end of the day will keep you at your desk in the evening if your boss has anything to do with it.
Where to find them: The micromanaging boss will find you. You never have to worry about finding them.
TIP: Becoming micromanaged at work is a very demotivating experience.
More often than not, this stems from a manager’s insecurity about letting go.
This can be a difficult pattern to break, but setting clear goals and sharing progress updates can help.
For example, sending a weekly written update at a time that suits you can take back a desk and demonstrate your ability to run projects while also helping with your career development.