Have you ever worked for an oppressive boss? If so, how did you handle it? What defines an oppressive boss?
An oppressive boss does not care about you? They don't work for your best interests and rarely work for the best interests of the organization either. An oppressive boss works for their own self interest alone. Oppressive bosses are led by their ambition, not the mission.
Oppressive bosses typically display some or all of these traits:
- dishonesty
- incomplete communication
- deal making that promotes their self interest and creates divide rather than unity
- exclusion
- belittling behaviors/speak
- preventing opportunities that allow you to succeed, grow, or move up
How do you handle an oppressive boss? First, if possible, find another job. Next, if that's impossible, keep a list of the boss' oppressive behaviors and put all communications with the boss in writing. Oppressive bosses will rarely put their commands/decisions in writing because they don't want to leave evidence of their wrongdoing or oppressive work. If there's a human relations division in your company, work with them to figure out how to develop your skill and do the good work despite the oppressive boss if you think that's safe (sometimes the HR is entangled with the oppressive boss). And, be careful about what you say to the oppressive boss and the dictates you follow. An oppressive boss will happily let you do the dirty work and mundane details while they make sure they shine. Further, an oppressive boss will likely lie about you, so keep a good record of the work you do so you have proof of your good work and effort.
Oppressive bosses can diminish who you are and what you are able to do. They are bullies in the workplace, and too often than not, unsuspecting people get caught in their traps of these bosses' dehumanizing oppression. I'm sure there's more you can do in circumstances like this, but this provides a start. Onward.