How to avoid being the next victim of a (female) bully boss?

Question

I just started a new job and my boss is controlling and power hungry. She has little tact and I've seen her bully almost all of her "subordinates".

None of them really call her on her behavior (she's the boss - what can you do, right?)

So far she's been okay with me but the act is starting to fade.

I know mean bosses aren't anything new but does anyone have any advice on what I can do to prevent being her next victim?

Answer 1

If she's gotten away with it ,her head is probably the size of a Macys' parade balloon now.She likes the false power of victims at her disposal.
Do you job first last and always, don't let her put you in a web of allowing you to be late from break,deadlines,no personnal e-mailing at work,refrain from gossip at work.
In case,of "turncoats" at work who will use you to snitch on., etc.
Then I would keep alittle diary of date and times she said something.Even to other co-workers! Make sure you don't misplace it at work.
As you say she's probably "sizing up you", see if your going to be a "butt-kisser" !
Take care!

Answer 2

Start documenting (writing down) all of her questionable behavior. Keep a log of times and instances. If your boss starts to bully you go to Human Resources and provide them a COPY (keep one for yourself) of the log of your bosses offensive behavior. Tell Human Resources that you feel your boss is creating a "Hostile Work Environment" and that you would like to give Human Resources a change to address the issue before you hire a lawyer.
Generally the company doesn't want any legal actions so they call the abusive boss in and read them the riot act. You will never become the bosses pet but she will mind her manners around you.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Don't buy into her bully nature. My boss is a rude butthead and very demanding and I give him "the look" and he knows what's on my mind. He lays off. I am good at what I do and he knows it. He also knows that I can find a new job if he crosses the line. He tries, fails and backs off.

It took awhile to form that kind of relationship. Open and honest communication for starters. I flat out told him he can get away with rude behavior to the others but it won't fly with me. One time I even growled at him and told him to watch it cause I bite!

Sometimes I think my boss gets a kick out of scaring people. It's almost like he can smell their fear and he just swoops in like a vulture on road kill! He doesn't scare me and we actually get along very well. I know my job duties and I do them.

Answer 4

First of all, I am surprised that when you (if you) interviewed with this particular 'boss', you were not put on alert the first time. Women can usually pick up on this 'female type'. It might be that because of her position, she has been 'forced' to show herself in a more powerful way. Take a look around your company - how many males vs females are there? How many females are in "position"? I remember when I was a Human Resource Manager, the females were encouraged to "bear down" in order to establish their 'seat' in the company - however, this did not transfer to ill treatment of any employee. In fact, it was the opposite. It was a combination of how the person really was and the expectation of the company to do what you had to in order to get the work done. Again, it was in no wise an effort to exhort or Lord over anyone. If I were you - I'd have regular conversations with my boss. Make her give you a 'check up' (grade) on a weekly or biweekly basis to see how you are measuring up to the company standards and 'hers'. This way, you are not going to be surprised at any bashing one might want to do to you. You stay on top of your job and your vision. Bring suggestions and ideas with a smile to your boss - make her believe in you and in your work. Forget everything else. Do what you can to please her and yourself. Keep written records of your abilities, accomplishments, etc. When your review comes up - you will have armed yourself with all the good statistics and have your bosses backing also.

Answer 5

Well, bulls tend to run over anything in their path until someone stops them. You either cause her downfall, which is neither pretty and tricky and you may cause the downfall of your company, try to get her promoted to another place, or leave the pen by either quitting or get yourself promoted. You can make yourself indispensable and get behind her back so that her job becomes dependent on you. You have to be subtle, though, because those people can smell someone trying to get them. I can't play that game, myself.

Answer 6

Stand up for yourself tactfully.

If she does start to bully you perhaps you should go above her and report her....because that is soo not cool!

Answer 7

you cant avoid it unless you quit