Bad Bosses and Executive Support

We've all been there. You're in a job you love but stuck with a terrible boss. No matter what you do, it seems like they are never happy. They micromanage your work, give you impossible deadlines, and never take ownership of their mistakes.

For executive support professionals, dealing with a lousy boss is tough but not impossible. It takes self-belief, determination, grit, and a lot of emotional intelligence. But remember, even if you can handle a horrible boss with bad behaviour and poor management skills, that doesn't make it acceptable. You deserve much better.

Is it about control or power?

There are two types of horrible bosses: control freaks and those who abuse their power. 

Control freaks micromanage every aspect of your work, from how you answer the phone, to your time management skills, even down to how you file your reports. These types of bosses want things done their way and done now! 

When the role of business support, particularly c-level executive assistants, calls for independence and autonomy, these behaviours can quickly become frustrating and demoralising. They can have you questioning your own abilities. But with a strong sense of self-confidence and grit, controlling managers can be retrained to place total trust and autonomy in their highly skilled assistants.

Abusive bosses, on the other hand – regardless of gender - use their power to belittle and demean their employees. The Global Assistant hears from as many top executive assistants with valuable global skills as those just starting out providing personal assistant services about bad boss behaviour.

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These horrible bosses might shout, swear, or make personal comments designed to humiliate, embarrass, or make derogatory comments about an administrative professional's work or intelligence. These behaviours are not only unprofessional but also against the law. No one deserves to be treated this way at work, no matter their job.

Sadly, this type of behaviour is not new or rare; it is more commonplace than not. It has been so prevalent that the World Administrators Alliance introduced a report entitled 'Harassment in the Workplace' at their 2020 Summit. The report outlined several policies aligned to support workplace initiatives that deal with gender-based discrimination or harassment in the workplace with a focus on administrative support professionals.

The WA-Alliance's chair, Helen Monument, said, "It takes a huge amount of courage to speak up without fear of recrimination. But harassment is never the fault of the victim, and it's vital that we all have the confidence that when we speak up, we will be believed and that appropriate action will be taken by the company. They have a duty of care, after all."

That duty of care is often seen as a shared responsibility. The expectation is that those who feel discriminated against will raise the problem, and those in positions of power will listen and take such issues seriously. It might not be that simple for those who are in the thick of it.

While it can be difficult to stand up to a horrible boss, it's important to remember that you have rights, and you deserve to be treated with respect. If you're dealing with a bad boss, it's of the utmost importance that you don't suffer in silence. There are techniques to deal with these situations effectively, and you don't have to tolerate this type of emotional abuse in the workplace.

Here are some practical tips for dealing with bad boss behaviour which can help you navigate the situation and, importantly, protect your mental health and wellbeing:

• Communicate to your boss about their behaviour. If your boss is receptive, they may be willing to change. This conversation can be challenging, but you must endeavour to address the issue head-on in a frank and considerate discussion.

• Set boundaries. Remember that it is vital to set boundaries with your boss early because it will be easy for your boss to take liberties in this area if you do not. Then, it's of vital importance for you to honour them!

• Just because they are your superior does not mean they can treat you however they want, calling you at all hours of the day or night and expecting you to be at their beck and call. If you feel like your boss is crossing a line, communicate to them directly as to what is and isn't acceptable. It is also essential to document any instances of problematic behaviour. This can be helpful if you need to take formal action at a later date.

• Talk to HR. Know that you are not alone. Many people have experienced difficult bosses at some point in their careers. Occupational health and safety legislation in many jurisdictions includes provisions for protecting workers from workplace bullying and harassment. If you feel you are being subjected to this type of behaviour, it is critical to reach out to your HR department or occupational health and safety representative. This is particularly relevant if you've already talked to your boss and tried to establish boundaries, but the behaviour continues. If needing to escalate, this is when you need to involve HR. When behaviours become a severe issue, it's vital to seek assistance and guidance from experienced professionals who can instruct you in dealing with these situations.

• Seek professional help. If you're struggling to deal with a bad boss, it might be time to seek expert advice. This can be through therapy, coaching, or, worst-case scenario, a legal advisor to learn about your rights. It will be helpful to talk to someone who understands the situation and can assist you in developing a plan to resolve the challenges you are dealing with.

You too have power

Finally, don't ever forget that you also have power in the situation. Many global executive assistants and personal assistants who experience difficult bosses feel powerless and stuck. 

However, this need not be the case forever. If you are experiencing difficulties at work, seeking opportunities to build equity in your career is critical. This could be taking courses, attending conferences, or networking with other professionals in your field. Seek your tribe who will support you as you navigate challenging times.

Dealing with a bad boss can be tough, but it's not impossible! If you are in this situation, remember to reach out for support, set boundaries, and seek training courses or longer-term professional development opportunities.

Do you have any tips for dealing with a bad boss? Please share them in the comments below!