Does your boss humiliate you in front of others?

Is your boss gossiping or spreading lies?

Do you feel intimidated and frustrated at the workplace?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, the odds are you’re in an abusive relationship with your boss. But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you will learn how to deal with your bully boss.

1. Develop Good Relationships with Coworkers

Did you know that bully bosses are more likely to ‘attack’ those who don’t socialize much with others? Don’t let that happen to you! Instead, develop good relationships with others in the office. Surround yourself with those who support you. We often need someone to say, “Our boss’s an idiot,” don’t we? So, don’t isolate yourself!

2. Be Professional

Your boss is treating you differently from other team members. What should you do? Try to keep your cool and don’t lose your self-confidence. I know you are probably blaming yourself and wondering ‘What have I done wrong?’ Remember that it’s not your fault. It’s the bully who has a serious personal and professional problem, not you. Sooner or later everyone will see that.

Also, instead of focusing on the boss who is trying to intimidate you, focus only on your job. Continue to show up on time and complete your tasks in a timely manner.

3. Document the Bad Behavior

Keeping detailed notes of when your boss attacks you is crucially important. If you decide to tell your co-workers what is going on or file a complaint in the future, you will definitely need to have witnesses and dated documentation. So anytime you are being bullied, document the date, time and details of the incident, save emails and texts (if you’re experiencing bullying by email).

4. Tell Management and HR about the Bully’s Behavior

If your boss does not change his or her behavior, consider speaking to someone who can take appropriate steps. Let the HR know about your boss’s abusive behavior. Tell about the impact the bullying has had on your physical, emotional and mental health, as well as how it has negatively impacted your work performance. Don’t forget to show the notes you have taken.

5. Simply, Leave Your Job

Your friends and family members most likely keep telling you, “don’t quit! You don’t have a new job waiting”, “You’ve got mortgages and obligations”, etc.

Well, if you like your company and get on with your colleagues (despite the ‘monster’), don’t quit! But if your boss doesn’t change his or her behavior (at least a little), you better look for another job! A new job will hopefully improve your quality of life.