Have You Ever Had a Boss That ... : Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Charran, Eric.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (187 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New York : Business Expert Press, 2025.

Summary:

Have You Ever Had a Boss That...? Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace Eric Charran, a veteran technology executive with over 25 years of leadership experience at some of the world's largest organizations--including 18 years at Microsoft--has worked under every kind of boss imaginable. From transformational leaders to those who thrive in chaos, he has seen firsthand how leadership dynamics shape workplace culture, employee engagement, and career progression. In Have You Ever Had a Boss That...? , Charran offers a compelling, research-backed guide for professionals at all career stages, from early-career employees to senior executives, providing actionable strategies to not just survive--but excel in dysfunctional workplaces. Through real-world case studies, psychological insights, and practical frameworks , Charran introduces nine distinct boss archetypes , each representing a different form of unhelpful or toxic leadership . From The Firefighter , who creates emergencies just to put them out, to The Attack Sub , who operates in secrecy to undermine colleagues, these archetypes explain why so many professionals struggle with ineffective managers--and how to turn these challenges into career-building opportunities. Workplace dysfunction can drain productivity, stall careers, and create daily stress , but professionals who understand leadership behaviors and adapt strategically can navigate even the most challenging environments. Drawing from his extensive experience leading high-impact teams, Charran reveals how to "manage up," influence from any position, and take control of your career path --even when working for a difficult boss. This book is an essential resource for anyone who has ever felt stuck in a frustrating workplace, struggled under poor leadership, or wondered how to turn dysfunction into success. You may not be able to choose your boss, but you can choose how to thrive, grow, and take control of your success--no matter the workplace challenges you face.

Contents:

Front cover

Half title

Title

Copyright

Description

Contents

Preface

Introduction

What to Expect

PART 1 Foundational Managerial Archetypes

CHAPTER 1 The Surprised

Background

The Scourge of the "Stand Up"

The Archetype Defined

Core Analysis

Coping Strategies

Talk. It. Out

Putting It Into Practice

Write. It. Down.

Summary/Title: Strategic Initiative Review for CIO Meeting

Description of the Issue/Topic

Actionable Alternatives

Recommendation

Outcomes and Next Steps

Summing It Up

CHAPTER 2 The Emergency Broadcaster

Set Clear Boundaries

Prevent the Forest Fires

Establish an Emergency Protocol

Encourage Independent Research

CHAPTER 3 The Complainer

Use Empathy to Build a Road to Action

Use Solution-Focused Engagement and Documentation

Cultivating Positivity and Professional Development

CHAPTER 4 The Amnesiac

Practice a Unified Documentation and Communication Strategy

Engage With Empathetic Persistence

Adaptive Project Management With Feedback Loops

CHAPTER 5 The Firefighter

Emphasize the Value of Prevention Over Cure

Putting It Into Practice.

Formalize a Culture of Proactive Problem-Solving With Ceremonies

Drive the Prevention Mindset

CHAPTER 6 The Order Taker

Highlight the Impact of Excessive Compliance (Order-Taking)

Connect Unfinished Commitments to Team Performance and Organizational Impact

Address Team Morale and Stability

Promoting Understanding Over Immediate Agreement

Provide "Outs" for Strategic Prioritization

CHAPTER 7 The Raw Nerve

Build Resilience and Support Networks

Focus on Getting Delegation Buy-In

Use Escalation Wisely and Diplomatically

Don'ts

Document and Record "Drift"

CHAPTER 8 The Attack Sub

Channel Switching

Follow-Up Text Message From Zara to Elena (Two Days Later)

Response From Elena to Zara's Text (One Minute Later)

Leverage the Power of Silent Agreement

Hold Team Offsites

CHAPTER 9 The LIFO (Last In, First Out)

Tackle Immediate Disruptions Through Gentle Questioning

Prioritize and Triage

Educate Through Persistent Communication

PART 2 Coping Recommendations and Personal Growth.

CHAPTER 10 Essential Coping Skills

Anticipation and Proactive Planning

Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Effective Communication

Balancing Crisis With Stability

CHAPTER 11 Building Resilience

Importance of a Positive Mental Attitude

Developing a Positive Mental Attitude

Mindfulness: Recognizing Negative Spirals

Their Emotions Are Not Your Emotions

Conduct a Holistic Gratitude-Based Evaluation of Your Professional Journey

CHAPTER 12 Growing Your Manager

Understanding the Concept of Managing Upward

Key Techniques for Managing Upward

Empathy-Focused Strategies to Influence Managers

Generalized Techniques From Previous Chapters

Growing Your Manager

Putting it all Together

Common Questions

How Do Bad Managers Stay in Their Jobs for So Long?

What If I Recognize Myself in Some of These Archetypes?

I Feel Like I Have No Options Left, What Can I Do?

Wrapping up

Realization: People Don't Quit Jobs, They Quit Leaders

Eustress versus Distress

Summarizing Key Takeaways and Encouraging Readers to Apply the Strategies

Final Thoughts on Turning Managerial Challenges Into Opportunities for Growth

Courageous Discussions

Perspective on My Journey

Appendixes

References

About the Author

Index

OTHER TITLES IN THE BUSINESS CAREER DEVELOPMENT COLLECTION

Concise and Applied Business Books

Back cover.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

1-63742-771-9

OCLC:

1500984154