by Tom Rinkes

Created on: February 10, 2009   Last Updated: March 08, 2009

We've all worked for them a time or two. The kind of boss who can go from zero to A - hole in 3.2 seconds or less; seemingly breaking their own world record each and every Monday. Oh, you can try to understand them by walking a mile in their shoes, but then you'd be a mile away from them and you'll have their shoes, and I fail to see the downside of that scenario. Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead.

The fact is most people who choose management positions do so for three reasons; money, prestige and power. The latter attracts the type who was bullied in school and the geek that everyone made fun of. Think back- could this boss have been Class President? Surely not. Hopefully, it wasn't you that threw the taunt, because payback is hell. Here's a few tips I've picked up over years in the workforce that may help you to get along or get it on with the person who makes you scream primal at 7:55 AM at least twice a week.

One: Try your best to get along with them. Be the adult in the room with the cool head. Let the boss draw first blood, then you can go to work on them and be justified in the eyes of your co workers.

Two: Observe your target in action. Jot down the little things that irritate them; the things that set them off. If they rant and rave when someone empties the coffee pot and doesn't start a new one, then purposely empty it with one cup left when they're not looking. But, don't get caught.

Three: Is there a small, black waste paper can against the wall in the walkway between the bosses office and the front door? When you know THEIR boss is coming, fill that baby up, and let at least two crumpled up pieces of office stationary lay on each side. There's nothing like first impressions.

Four: Pens. We all use them but there's nothing more frustrating than one that's dry. Save those. Collect at least five of them, and when the boss goes to lunch, sneak in and put them in their pen cup. When they set down after a stressful lunch with the company accountant, count down...10,9,8...justice.

Five: Try to find out their least favorite color, the one that they hate. The sneaky way to do it is watch what color they never wear. This may take a month to do, but it'll be worth it on those "dress down days" you have occasionally. If you deduce it's say...red, talk at least 25% of the crew into wearing that color. Tell them separately how good they look in red, and hope they take the hint. Nothing like making your least favorite person's weekend, now is there?

Six: Every boss

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