How to deal with a difficult boss?
By Makesense
@Makesense (14)
Singapore
February 24, 2007 7:40am CST
My present boss is a very egoistic and difficult person. He always think he is the best and other empolyee around, including customers, are not better than him. He sometimes is very harsh on his subordinates. I have been working with
him for 6 years now and he is getting worst. I am thinking of changing job. Is changing job a good move? How should I tell the job interviewer the reason for leaving my present company? Appreciate any responses. Thanks!
2 responses
@answerguy (57)
• Canada
28 Feb 07
Your boss sounds like your typical Alpha Male, X-Type manager who thinks people have to be shoved to get anything accomplished and don't have such a thing as personal work ethic.
A huge huge movement in HR the last while has been something called EI (emotional intelligence). Some companies, like Toyota, make you take an EI test online before they will even review your resume! This is something you can bring up in almost any interview you will have.
You obviously don't respond well to X-Type management, and most companies worth anything discourage it because it's pretty bad all around for morale, productivity, etc. Tell your interviewer that you're looking to work in an environment with a Y-Type manager who encourages empowerment and team efforts. Tell them that you want to work with a manager who has a good understanding of leadership, and of dealing realistically and civilly with their employees. No HR person can disrespect that.
In fact, laying out what you're looking for will probably land you the job because it'll tell them two things: You're assertive and you know what you are looking for, and that you have ambition.
The other thing to consider is this: There really isn't such thing as a one-company career anymore. The average career only lasts 5 years before someone changes to another position, even whole different industry! So get out there and find a job that you will look forward to going to when you get up in the morning, and a manager that will help you feel that way.
Answerguy.
@Makesense (14)
• Singapore
1 Mar 07
Thanks for your comforting advise from Canada.
Incidentally, I also I received my university education
from Ottawa, Canada, many years back.