To Change the World, Change Your Mind

To change the world, change yourmind. Although a bit less profound,

the same philosophy can be applied todealing with a less than personable

boss. Sometimes nosey, sometimes fartoo intrusive, sometimes downrightrude, bosses have the power to make

the workplace difficult, to say theabsolute least. Yet, even having aterrible boss can be a good thing.

When working under someone withquestionable behavior, you should

keep your head up, your eyes forward,and the following in mind:

At times, poorly behaved bosses will fail toshow grace while giving what is supposed to beconstructive criticism. When witnessing such

displays of borderline verbal abuse andinsulting remarks towards subordinates, you

should remember that such inclinations ofmaliciousness are exactly what you do not

want to display when you work your own way tothe top. Regardless of how intelligent or

efficient you are, all management positionsrequire an advanced degree of refined

emotional intelligence.

CommunicationCommunication between management and their

subordinates is supposed to be a mutual exchange.One is supposed, talk and then listen, and then

absorb the information to make the best possibledecision. Yet, far too often, management will

become absorbed in their hierarchical stratificationand will fail to listen. They will only talk and

neglect their employees potentially innovativeideas in favor of hearing the sound of their own

voice. This destructive tendency tarnishessuperiors’ reputations because it forces employeesto find another medium of expression where they

are allowed to voice their ideas, their opinions, andperhaps most importantly, their feelings.

The Boss is the boss

Although it is important tolisten to your workers, that isnot to say the boss does not

have the final word.Communication should

certainly be open, but the bosscan by no means allow

themselves to be bullied intoa decision. Of course, every

opinion should be heard, butthat does not mean it has to

be acted upon.

Pay Well and Equally

It is of the utmost significance thatemployees who do a similar job are paida similar salary. If the boss fails to payhis or her workers the same salary, and

word gets out, then he or she is bound toinspire resentment amongst the staff. A

paycheck is clear indication of value, andto marginalize someone over another

when they are each doing the same job isat the very best misguided, and at the

very worst worthy of legal action.

Even when dealingwith the worst of theworst, we can learn

something, grow, andapply those lessons tofuture situations. Justbecause you may not

get along with aparticularly difficult

boss, that is in no wayan excuse to shut

down. Instead,embrace the scenarioand better yourself forit. That which doesn’tkill us only makes us

stronger.