“Monster bosses are seldom likeable and often neurotic”

How does one deal with a monster boss? Is there anything positive about working for a charismatic but deeply selfish boss? They make the workplace exciting because they’re unpredictable. And they provide excellent learning opportunities, although some call this “stress”. Mostly, however, they test your people skills and patience.

Many books deal with difficult bosses, such as the saboteur, who makes the most of your weaknesses, the know-it-all, who can’t be proved wrong, and the micromanager, who wants to control everything. But those books never really help one with those “super-bosses” who often become well known. The external reputations of these people — carefully created by spin doctors — often contrast strongly with what we hear from employees who blow the whistle.

So, how can you manage a monster boss? You need to know where they are coming from so that you can anticipate their obnoxious behaviour. Consider the following characteristics and think about whether they apply to your boss:

• Sociable. The less sociable boss may pretend to be sociable but, in fact, isn’t at all. They are hard to get to know. The extroverted sociopath, on the other hand, is easy to get to know. But they are not interested in what you say.
• Intelligent. Intellectually challenged monster bosses tend to resist new ideas. They are not interested in data, preferring simplistic answers. If they also lack emotional intelligence, that is a serious problem: monster bosses are often very cunning.
• Likeable. Monster bosses are seldom likeable. They are challenging, distrustful and moody. They like a fight and are demanding. However, they do get things moving.
• Ambitious. If a highly ambitious boss is amoral and opportunistic, too, they will have their eyes on their boss, not you. To get ahead, your best hope is to be seen to be helpful to them.
• Neurotic. Many monster bosses are neurotic and unstable. Their neuroses can take many forms: phobia, anxiety or depression. They need careful handling, especially the psychopaths, who lack empathy and can be brutal.
• Imprudent. Be very careful with imprudent managers. They don’t pay their bills and they are financially reckless. This can lead to financial, if not moral, bankruptcy.

You need to learn to read the signals. Avoid monster bosses when they’re obnoxious and charm them when they’re in a good mood. And remember: following in their wake as they crash through organizations can bring real benefits.