I want to share an article from my colleague and partner coach, Kristin Clark. Kristin works with emerging talent (ages 16–26) to help them navigate their careers with confidence. While her audience is just getting started, the truth is her advice applies to all of us, whether you’re in your first job or leading at the executive level.
Here’s her article in full:
Everyone will have a bad boss at some time. Tag you're it!
How you handle it will make all the difference and may even get you promoted, so buckle up and start managing the situation.
Step 1: Get Clear on Why They're “Bad”
Not all bad bosses are created equal. Ask yourself:
Are they a micromanager?
Prove to them you don't need micromanaging and have a chat about it when the time is right.Do they give zero feedback?
Ask for it. "Hey boss, I think that went well, did you see anything I could have done better?"Do they play favorites?
See Step 2Do they dump everything on you?
You could take this as a compliment, but it doesn't make it easier. Set a meeting to establish your priorities. The ones that do not rise to the top either get skipped or passed on to someone else.
You’ve got to name it to tame it. Figuring out the type of bad helps you figure out how to work around it. See next week’s email on how to handle tough conversations!
Step 2: Manage Up, Not Just Across
Welcome to the real game. Your job isn’t just to do your job, it’s to make your boss’s job easier.
That doesn’t mean kissing up. It means:
Anticipating what they want (even if they suck at communicating)
Giving them updates before they ask
Packaging your work to make them look good
(PS: This also makes you look like a total pro.)
Step 3: Protect Your Mental Space
A bad boss can get in your head if you’re not careful. Here's how to fight the mental funk:
Keep a brag file of your wins so you remember you do add value
Talk to a mentor, not your coworkers—venting sideways can backfire
Keep it professional. No snarky emails, no eye rolls. You're playing chess, not dodgeball.
Step 4: Know When to GTFO
This is a last resort in my book. Bosses come and go, but sometimes the best move is out. But do it strategically:
Build your network before you need it
Update your resume when you're still employed
Line up your next move so you’re not leaping into another dumpster fire
Bonus Truth Bomb
How you handle a bad boss can actually accelerate your career. Why? Because when you show emotional intelligence, resilience, and tact early in your career—people notice.
ACTION:
Develop your own step by step plan on how you want to handle your own bad boss
If you don't have a bad boss, save this email—you will someday
See next week’s post on having tough conversations.
If you decide on the GTFO option and aren’t sure what’s next, let’s talk about it – 214.207.5887
P.S. I actually made it a challenge to win over bad bosses. It is one of my superpowers and comes from a combination of my strengths (Harmony, Individualization & Command). Just know, you’re in control regarding how you handle it. You’ve got this!
Why This Matters for All Professionals
Kristin’s perspective is powerful for young professionals, but the reality is this: everyone will encounter a bad boss at some point in their career. The strategies she outlines—getting clear, managing up, protecting your mental space, and knowing when to move on—apply just as much to mid-career and senior-level talent.
The difference? Established professionals often have more at stake. Careers, reputations, and leadership roles can all be impacted by how we navigate challenging bosses. Handling those situations with emotional intelligence and professionalism not only protects your career but can accelerate it.
Support at Every Stage
For emerging talent (ages 16–26): Kristin Clark offers tailored coaching and resources to help you start strong. Learn more at KristinClark.com.
For mid-career and established professionals: That’s where I step in. At EBR HR Experts, I help professionals refine their career strategies, build resilience, and navigate transitions so they can thrive in the next stage of their careers.
No matter where you are in your career journey, you don’t have to face a bad boss or the next step alone.