Resilient Managers and Jerk Bosses: Dealing with a Jerk Boss

Resilient Managers and Jerk Bosses

One of my senior manager executive coaching clients is working on leading her boss and helping her to do her job better. I am coaching a several middle managers to better lead their boss, and help team members become more fully engaged.

The middle managers know that for their company to thrive depends on all company leaders and team members to take initiative and lead up. Human Resources is partnering with middle managers to become more assertive in leading their boss.  Our current executive coaching and leadership consulting work is focused on helping leaders at all levels improve their ability to lead up. Unfortunately, some unenlightened bosses are not open to feedback from subordinates.

Dealing with a Jerk Boss

In some cases, all of the best data in the world won’t convince your boss that you’re right. If he’s a jerk, he’s probably insecure. He acts tough because he’s afraid of losing his job and control over others.

Jerk bosses cannot be reasoned with, so don’t even try. You can roll over, fight back or leave. Choose wisely.

Bounce Back

Ultimately, what really matters is how we recover when things don’t go our way. Resilience gives you the strength you need when faced with rejection.

Review these points:
•  What happened?
•  What could I have done better?
•  What did I learn?

The resilience to bounce back from a raw deal distinguishes those who succeed from those who become stuck, bitter and angry. It’s important for you to remain focused on goals and engaged in the process of fulfilling them.

True leaders will step up to the plate, regardless of where they fall on the organizational food chain. They see a need and are driven to find solutions. When they distrust their senior leaders, they spot opportunities to step in, lead up and prove their value.

Never give up on your dreams, and continue your pursuit of making a difference.

Are you working in a company or law firm where mangers are assertive in leading up? Does your company or law firm provide leadership coaching and leadership development to help middle managers take the initiative and be more confident and assertive? During turbulent economic times, leaders at all levels need to listen deeply and act decisively.

One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is “Am I a middle manager who is resilient when dealing with a jerk boss?” Emotionally intelligent and socially intelligent organizations provide executive coaching and leadership development for managers who are appropriately assertive, and are resilient when working under a jerk boss.

Working with a seasoned executive coach and leadership consultant trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i CPI 260 and Denison Culture Survey can help you create an organizational culture where middle managers take the initiative in leading from the middle. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become fully engaged with the vision, mission and strategy of your company or law firm.

I am currently accepting new executive coaching, career coaching, and leadership consulting clients. I work with both individuals and organizations. Call 415-546-1252 or send an inquiry e-mail to mbrusman@workingresources.com.