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Melroy Lopes
The most common reason employees leave their job: a bad boss. These come in many forms. There's the yeller, the micromanager and the clueless boss. Quitting is rarely an option. Here's a guide for dealing with whatever type of boss you have.
Early Detection
One way to avoid a bad boss is to find out before you accept the job who your boss will be and what he's like. Ask an inside source to characterize his management style. Ask the source what he or she would change if given the chance. This method isn't foolproof, since the company can always bring in someone new with a completely different agenda.
Micromanager
Try to figure out why your boss insists on having a hand in everything you do. Does the boss not trust your work or is he simply a control freak? If your boss insists on taking too much control of your work, repeat back what you believe the assignment is either verbally or in a memo. Ask if it's correct. Then give the boss the date you'll have the rough draft in. Then say, "Can we talk about this once the draft is done?"
The Dummy
If you work for a boss who doesn't know how to get the job done or who doesn't want to be in the position, it can be a benefit for an employee looking to get ahead. Help your boss by guiding him and even asking if you can take on additional responsibility. If your manager is downright clueless, guide him. If his ideas are wrong or just plain bad, gently redirect him.
Barely There
If the boss isn't offering you any guidance, ask questions. Tell your boss you'd like more direction or more constructive criticism.
The Yeller
Figure out what sets the boss off and avoid doing those things. Sort of like the guy who goes to his doctor and says, "It hurts when I do that." The doctor replies, "Well, don't do that!" Try to have a conversation with your manager about his tendency to lose it. It's not an easy conversation to have but may be worth doing.
Help From HR
If you've addressed a situation with your boss and it hasn't gotten better, it might be time to consult Human Resources, especially if it's something serious like discrimination or harassment. Just know it'll likely get back to your boss. Things could get worse before they get better.