LME 046 – Help! My Boss Is Terrible – What Can I Do?


Today, we’re tackling a big topic: What should you do if you have a bad boss?

Most people don’t quit companies—they quit their managers.

Studies like Gallup’s annual workplace survey have shown that the majority of employees are disengaged, and a key reason is poor leadership.

But what does it actually mean to have a “bad boss”? Is your boss truly terrible, or is there something else going on? And more importantly—what can you do about it?

Let’s break it down.

Four Types of Bad Bosses

Not all bad bosses are the same. Based on my experience coaching leaders and working with teams, I’ve categorized them into four types:

  1. The Overly Demanding Boss
    • Always pushing for more.
    • Thinks 60-hour workweeks are normal.
    • Insists on unnecessary changes.
  2. The Incompetent Boss
    • Doesn’t understand the business.
    • Makes poor decisions.
    • Avoids accountability.
  3. The Emotionally Clueless Boss
    • Has zero empathy.
    • Can’t read the room.
    • Says things like: “Are you always this slow?”
  4. The Toxic Boss (aka The Psychopath)
    • Manipulative and cruel.
    • Enjoys seeing people struggle.
    • Creates a culture of fear.

We’ll go into these in more detail, but let’s start by flipping the question: Is your boss actually bad? Or do they just challenge you in ways you don’t like?

Is Your Boss Really That Bad?

Before we jump into solutions, take a step back. Ask yourself:

  • Do I have all the information to judge my boss fairly?
  • Is it possible they’re dealing with pressure I don’t see?
  • Am I reacting emotionally instead of strategically?

Sometimes, bosses seem incompetent when they actually have a bigger picture in mind. For example, imagine your boss suddenly bans vacation requests for a month.

You might think,

“What a power-hungry control freak!”

But maybe they know the company is being evaluated for a merger, and they need the department to be fully operational to secure everyone’s jobs.

Of course, not every bad boss has good intentions. So, how do you deal with them? That’s where the three options come in.

Your Three Options: Love It, Change It, or Leave It

When dealing with a bad boss, you only have three real choices:

  1. Love it – Accept the situation and find ways to make it work.
  2. Change it – Find strategies to improve your relationship with your boss.
  3. Leave it – If all else fails, move on.

Let’s dive into changing it—because leaving should be the last resort, not the first reaction.

How to Handle a Difficult Boss

If you’re struggling with an incompetent, demanding, or emotionally clueless boss, here are five strategies to help:

  1. Change Your Mindset
  • Assume your boss isn’t deliberately trying to make your life miserable.
  • Realize that they might be struggling with their own challenges.
  • See their weaknesses as opportunities for you to step up.
  1. Help Your Boss Without Them Realizing It
  • If they’re bad at time management, proactively send summaries of meetings.
  • If they struggle with decision-making, provide clear options to make choices easier.
  • If they lack empathy, gently highlight team concerns in a way that makes them look good for addressing them.
  1. Build a Stronger Relationship
  • Focus on improving communication, not fixing their personality.
  • Ask thoughtful questions:
    • “What’s the biggest challenge you’re dealing with right now?”
    • “How can I help make your job easier?”
  • If they feel like you’re on their side, they’ll be more likely to listen to you.
  1. Be Strategic With Feedback
  • Don’t confront them in public—always address issues privately.
  • Time your feedback carefully. If your boss is stressed, they won’t listen.
  • Use the “compliment sandwich”: Start with a positive, give your feedback, and end with a solution.
  1. Stay Professional—Even When They’re Not
  • Never badmouth your boss to colleagues. Gossip always finds its way back.
  • Keep your emotions in check. If they yell, don’t yell back.
  • If they cross serious ethical lines, document everything and escalate appropriately.

What If Nothing Works?

If you’ve tried everything and your boss is still making your work life miserable, you have a decision to make. Either:

  • Try transferring to another department.
  • Start networking and looking for a better job.
  • Or—if you’re entrepreneurial—consider working for yourself.

The key takeaway?

You have options. The worst thing you can do is stay stuck, complaining without taking action.

Conclusion

Dealing with a bad boss is tough, but it’s also an opportunity to grow as a professional.

You might not be able to change them—but you can always change how you handle the situation.

Which strategy will you try first? Let me know! And if you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Before you go, I’ve got something special for you!

Everything we’ve covered today – time management, delegation, setting priorities – is exactly what we work on in the brand-new Crash Course Leadership.

It’s a step-by-step system designed to help you become a confident and effective leader, while also regaining control over your time and workload.

And here’s the deal:

If you join the VIP list now, not only will you get the best price on the course, but you’ll also get access to an exclusive Live Online Masterclass – only for VIP members who join the program.

This masterclass will give you direct access to me, where I’ll answer your biggest leadership challenges and help you apply what you learn even faster.

But this bonus is only for those on the early access list – so don’t miss out!

Sign up now at berndgeropp.com/vip and secure your spot.