Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant

How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job

Lynn Taylor is a nationally recognized workplace expert specializing in boss and employee dynamics, CEO of Lynn Taylor Consulting and author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant. See full bio

November 19, 2009

Will I Be Part of “Gen U,” the Generation Unretired?

Many of us grew up with a stereotypical life plan: I'll go to school, college, get a job, get married, have a family, get a home, and maybe even have a white picket fence and a dog. "Then magically, at 65, I will retire and can finally relax." Some of these notions have faded into oblivion - in fact, "retirement" has been virtually redefined. But it can be an extraordinary life of balance, if you choose it to be. Welcome to "Gen U." The workplace evolution is here now: the Generation Unretired.

October 21, 2009

Are Emotions Driving You at Work?

Ever wonder how much time you spend at the office on emotional issues? It's easy to let emotions drive what you do - or drive you to distraction. They are often triggered by those around you - and can create a logjam between you and the work at hand. A simple task takes much longer, due to wasted energy. A manager's unexpected barb, a co-worker taking credit for your project, or even something you said that you later regret are common examples.

I have some good news. You can turn the tables with some tips on redirecting your emotional energy to focusing on the job at hand, while thriving in your job. Read More

October 9, 2009

Why Are Boss Egos Expanding? Study Explains

Whether the boss news of 2009 has been sexual harassment, workplace bullying or "boss-napping" in France, bad boss behavior seems to be pandemic or at least a weekly topic of discussion of late. And now, a new survey reveals that self-oriented bosses are more prevalent than ever. The good news is that employees can take proactive, empowering steps to manage bosses who slip into egotistical modes, unwittingly or not.

September 7, 2009

Distracted Boss? Break the Attention Gap!

Your boss was about to give you a new assignment, but took "just a sec" to dust off her keyboard, finish a call, send an e-mail, and check stock quotes. Then she asks, "Did you say something?" while staring blankly as if she's forgotten your name. What works with small children you are minding, overwhelmed with the world's possibilities - can also work with your esteemed, but often overwhelmed boss, who's supposed to be alert and "in charge." Without being patronizing, you can help your boss manage you, so you're not driven to distraction! Read More

August 27, 2009

Why Bad Bosses Act like Toddlers

Behavioral problems seem to be running rampant in the office today. When conflicts arise, it can seem as if bad bosses missed Social Skills 101 – reverting to the unruly actions of toddlerhood in a nano-second! What does makes an otherwise rational adult regress to a Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT)? There are 20 core, parallel traits between bad bosses and toddlers, and they fall into two categories: Bratty and Little Lost Lambs. Let's examine why - and what can be done to manage these behaviors. Read More

August 13, 2009

Office Wars! When Your Boss Grabs Your Glory

Jobs losses are slowing and an economic recovery may be around the corner. Still, cubicle row looks a bit desolate, and you sometimes wish your job was eligible for a cash-for-clunkers trade-in. The “sandbox politics” syndrome is at play when your boss is fearful of losing ground or is unsure of the future, attached to the status quo. You may unknowingly come off as a threat to her as unwanted competition for her “dominion.”

You can reverse the dynamic with some specific actions. He or she will likely ease up - and free up - some of the workload, including your pet projects. Read More

July 23, 2009

When Fearful Bosses Become Demanding

At offices across the country, everyone's been on edge as the recession (and hopeful recovery) plays out. In bosses, as in toddlers, pressures and stress can sometimes result in excessively demanding behavior. Just as young children believe they're the center of the universe, a fearful Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT) or bad boss will turn fear into relentless demands. But you can turn unreasonable rants and requests into rational, workable solutions - empowering yourself along the way. Read More

July 7, 2009

Taming a Tough Boss without Losing Your Job

Need to tame a tough boss, but afraid of losing your job? You can take steps to help recession-proof your position through humanizing techniques. You can diffuse and disarm tension by deploying some time-honored skills with your stressed out Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT) that help bolster your relationship and job. Read More

June 17, 2009

When TOTs Run the Office

We’ve all seen it at some point in our working lives – an office environment that at times resembles an out-of-control schoolyard, with bad bosses playing sandbox politics or throwing outright tantrums. Read More

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Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job

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