Sooner or later, you're going to work for a boss who's a real pain in the behind. Maybe you already do. Bad bosses are no fun. In fact, a bad relationship with the boss is the leading source of stress on the job. But there are things you can do to make the situation less of an ordeal - and maybe even turn it into an advantage. Here are five of them:

1. Put Yourself in His Shoes

Although it sounds trite, experts say it really helps to consider the boss's view of the world. Did he scramble up through the ranks or enter management out of school? Did he ever work on the shoproom floor? What kind of family and religious background does he have? Is he experiencing marital, health or other personal problems that might account for his actions and disposition?

2. Give Her Credit

Everybody has at least some redeeming qualities - even your boss. If she didn't, she wouldn't be your boss. So consider what she does well and what she's accomplished for the company. And try to learn from it.

3. Figure Out What Makes Him Happy

We're not talking about brown-nosing but working together to accomplish professional goals. For example, if you know your boss's bonus depends on the rates of recordable injuries in a certain department, you can broach initiatives to cut injuries there.

4. Control the Griping

We could tell you not to badmouth your boss behind her back but we know you're going to do it anyway. Hey, you're only human. But be careful. If you've gotta bitch, do it to the people you know and trust so it doesn't finds its way to the boss's ear. And only vent when and where you know the boss isn't around.

5. Don't Go Over Your Boss's Head

Last but not least, you should understand that going over your boss's head may be seen as an act of war. So try not to do it unless you feel you have no choice.

Parting Words

Love the boss? Not on your life.
Like him? Forget it.
Respect him? Well, maybe.
Use him? Absolutely. The best way to "get back" at a bad boss is to draw from her strengths, learn from her mistakes and make yourself better as a result.

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