Horrible Bosses: The Savvy Girl's Guide

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    Illustrated by Sydney Hass. The Micromanager
    Feel that hot breath on your neck? That's your micromanaging boss. Aside from watching you like a PI, this controlling and critical superior can make you feel like you can't do anything right. To make matters worse, you never feel supported or trusted, which could cause you to lose confidence in your abilities — not cool.

    How To Deal:
    1. "Understand they are unlikely to change, so you will need to practice some acceptance," says Marter. "Try not to take their behaviors personally — this is their issue, not yours. In moments of difficulty, practice some deep breathing and recite the mantra, 'It is what it is.' Exhale and release any feelings of stress or tension."

    2. If you want to avoid eating Tums for breakfast every morning, give your boss the 411 on updates and information before they even have to ask. "The more you communicate, the less they will need to meddle," says Marter.

    3. "Hang onto your self-esteem through daily affirmations," Marter advises. "Detach from criticism by 'zooming out' and seeing the situation from a larger perspective — is it really worth getting your feathers ruffled?"

    4. As they saying goes: Don't sweat the small stuff. Is it really worth getting gray hair over this person? Um, no it is not. "Avoid getting your ego hooked and engaging in arguments over minutia," says Marter.

    5. "Get support and request positive feedback from coworkers or a mentor, since you will not get it from this type of boss. Have a sense of humor and laugh about the ridiculousness with your friends outside of work for a good release and some validation," says Marter.
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    Illustrated by Sydney Hass. The Finger-Pointer
    Um, narcissistic much? This hot-headed boss makes you want to put on your headphones to drown out the noise. And by noise, we mean the verbally abusive meltdown that ensues on a regular basis (read: You're never right).

    How To Deal:
    1. "Imagine yourself protected by an invisible shield and any negativity from your boss just bouncing off of it, rather than penetrating you," says Marter. "Practice good self-care (sleep, nutrition, exercise) and mindfulness techniques like meditation to stay anchored and grounded in the present moment so you can remain cool as a cucumber even when your boss flies off the handle."

    2. "Avoid becoming reactive. Remember the words of Wayne Dyer, 'How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.'"

    3. Remember abuse is never acceptable, and at the end of the day, there's only so much you can do with a bully. Seriously, that's what human resources is for. "If the haranguing persists, you may need to re-evaluate your job," says Marter.
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    Illustrated by Sydney Hass. The Buddy
    While you may think you've won the boss lottery at first, a sugary sweet superior can negatively affect your performance, like too many treats out of the office candy jar. Their codependent nature leads to blurry boundaries and difficulty setting firm limits and rules. This people-pleaser has difficulty delegating, which can ultimately lead to an under-performing staff. And, personally, you may feel like you have a lack of constructive feedback to grow professionally.

    How To Deal:
    1. While it seems like a bit of a role reversal, if your boss isn't clear about your expectations, create your own boundaries so you can still shine as the badass worker that you are. "Don’t take advantage and become lazy in your work — this will negatively effect your career in the end," says Marter.

    2. "Keep things professional by limiting interaction outside of work and avoiding getting involved in discussions about personal issues," says Marter. So, in other words, if your boss wants to dish on the one-night stand they had over the weekend, it's time to make a lunch run.

    3. "Be direct and request constructive feedback. (i.e.'Thank you for the fantastic review. If you had to say two things I could improve upon, what would they be?')"
  • Illustrated by Sydney Hass. The Autocrat
    We've all been stepped on at least once in our lives, but when it happens every day, you work at the hand of your boss, you're like a salmon swimming up steam. This superior is out for his/her own interests, which can keep you from moving up the corporate (or otherwise) ladder yourself. And, no, credit is not given where credit is due.

    How To Deal:
    1. "Make them look good and become their right hand, so they see they will go further by utilizing your support rather than squashing you," says Marter.

    2. "Practice assertive communication ('I would like to attend this training') and set clear boundaries ('I should be listed as a co-author on this proposal'), so you don’t get the short end of the stick."

    3. "Document everything — record the work you have done yourself and keep relevant emails on file in case there is a dispute down the road."

    4. Even though you stifle colorful metaphors under your breath on a daily basis, there is something to be learned from this loose canon. Marter says,"Notice what strengths legitimately help them move forward and observe how this personality style may be holding them back. Adopt the good parts and leave the rest."
  • Illustrated by Sydney Hass. The Perfect Boss
    Do you hear that? It's the sound of harps playing. Congratulations — you found yourself the perfect boss. One that serves as a mentor, recognizes your strengths, and provides you with the tools you need to grow and develop. Our advice: Don't blow it.

    How To Maximize This Relationship:
    1. "Practice gratitude," says Marter. "Let them know how much you appreciate them. It can be lonely at the top, and everyone likes to feel valued and respected."

    2. "Ask them to be your mentor. Offer to assist them with any additional projects or ventures in exchange for opportunities to learn more from them."

    3. While Facebook stalking is not recommended, professional networking can get you farther than you think. "Invite them to connect on LinkedIn and request a recommendation (and give them a positive recommendation as a boss!)," says Marter.

    4. "Remember that a good boss can be a key contact for the rest of your career, so keep in touch after you leave your job even if it's just for a quarterly email or an annual coffee or holiday card."