3 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Unless he owns the company, a bad boss will usually be living on borrowed time.

Bad bosses are often extremely insecure and defensive people, who are more interested in covering their own butts than contributing to the company. In time, real talent is hard to miss. Those who have it are likely to rise to the top. Those who do not will fall away. In their guts, bad bosses usually know this. That's why they are so difficult! They know they are in trouble.

FOR EXAMPLE: My worst boss was a shrill and unstable middle executive. I was fresh out of graduate school and did everything I could to make our department succeed. After this boss stole my first idea, I began keeping detailed files and copies of everything I did. I sent confirmation memos after meetings and carbon-copied relevant parties. With a year, I was head-hunted and received a position higher than what my bad boss had.

KEYS TO WORKING WITH AN IDEA BANDIT BOSS:

1. Just as writers copyright their work, keep dated copies of everything you do. E-mail is a simple way to do this. After a brainstorming meeting, send a confirmation e-mail to the other participants, including your boss. Save this message on your computer. It will include a date and time stamp.

2. Avoid one-on-one concepting meetings with the bad boss. Whenever possible, include a third person in such sessions. Try to choose a person of strong character, who will stand on conviction, if the bad boss tries to claim your ideas as his own.

3. Continue to strive for creativity and excellence. Don't let one bad boss derail your career or your abilities.

4. Cultivate high-powered allies within the organization. This will deter your bad boss from subverting your efforts. In addition, once the bad boss is removed, these relationships will serve you well. (Perhaps your bad boss' worst nightmare will come true, and you will receive his position!)

To borrow from the popular TV show SURVIVOR, you will need to outsmart, outlast, and outwit him . . . . or find a new position elsewhere.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Bad bosses: How to work for someone who steals your ideas?
We want to hear your view. Write now!