Managers from Hell — The reason behind their evilness and how to survive it.
While not all managers are rude, however, some are the worst — a nightmare from hell.
Like many people around the world, I have suffered due to evil managers. We can hate them or hurl angry words at them. But ever wonder what makes some people unfit to be managers? The reason why they do not know how to speak to their subordinates?
The one thing that differentiates the good managers from the bad ones is Emotional Intelligence. According to Google’s research on what constitutes a perfect leader, they found that successful and admired leaders have high emotional intelligence. While you might have come across people who can get ahead in life with low EQ, but, you will need a high EQ to succeed as a leader.
Nationally recognized EQ expert, Jen Shirkani, describes EQ as a person’s capacity to identify their emotions, understand people, and appropriately respond to them. EQ allows you to lead with empathy and read the non-verbal cues.
EQ is a person’s capacity to recognize their emotions, understand people, and appropriately respond to them.
Low emotional intelligent managers will yell at you or not care even if your personal life is up in flames. When a leader behaves in such a manner, they not only have a low EQ but also a lack of self-awareness. So, chances are, you could try and help them, and all they will see is what you lack.
Strategies for surviving a bad boss
If you are stuck with a bad manager and cannot afford to quit your job, here are some strategies to continue working without affecting you. These strategies helped me overcome a bad boss.
When they go low, we go high
I am sure you have heard this before. When your boss is difficult, accept the behavior. I know it is easier said than done. However, use your emotional intelligence when dealing with someone difficult. For example, if your boss yells at you in front of everyone, something usually happens in Indian corporate culture, tell yourself that the boss lacks EQ. His behavior is not a reflection of your work.
Understand that no matter what you do, you cannot help someone to raise their EQ unless they want to.
Do not let it affect you and your work
I understand that when your managers misbehave towards you, as humans, we tend to personalize it. But in reality, we should not personalize it because their behavior is not your fault. If there is anyone at fault, then it is the manager and the inability to deal with their emotions. Hence, I urge you not to feel bad and affect your work.
Consult the HR
Before you complain to the HR department about your manager, research if they have a history of supporting employees in such situations. If they do support, inform them about your problem, but do not be negative. State the problem.
Plan your transition
Begin your job search and plan when it would be convenient for you to move out of your current company. Decide the type of jobs and companies you want to work for and plan accordingly.
Surviving a bad boss can be tough. Hence, before you accept any job offers, please try to research the company culture and the reporting manager. The research will help you to save yourself from evil managers.
