Whats everyones favorite topic around the water cooler? Bad bosses! You know, the ones who make life in the office unbearable? Here are some of the more common varieties youll find.

1. The Screamer. You cant miss this guy. He never stops to consider his audience or who might be listening when he starts one of his rants. Hell dress down a subordinate in the middle of the hall; hell scream at the supplier on the phone; hell holler to his secretary from inside his office instead of using the intercom. Nothings private and no one is exempt from his temper.

2. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A variation on The Screamer, only without the consistency. With this boss, you never know whether youre going to be praised for something or get your head handed to you. Its hard to plan for both flowers and brickbats at the same time.

3. The Micro-Manager. A very common genus, the Micro-Manager is so unsure of herself that she cant afford to trust other peoples work. She makes you explain reports line by line, then sends you back to re-do them. She demands twice-daily updates on your projects. She wont let you make a single decision without her input. Its like being in kindergarten but without nap-time.

4. The Invisible Woman. You never see her, which might be ok except when you need a question answered or someone to back you up on a sensitive project. This boss thinks that if she hides, nothing bad will ever happen. Of course, nothing good will ever happen either, but she thinks that the status quo is just fine.

5. The Gossiper. No one has more inside info than this guy does, and he isnt shy about sharing it. Hell tell you why the guy in shipping got fired and how the woman in payroll really messed up. He knows all the skeletons and where the bodies are buried. Conversations with him might be interesting, except for that little worry about what he might be telling people about you.

6. The Idiot. He just doesnt get it. He either has the IQ of a turnip or he only sees things in black and white. He doesnt understand complex ideas, nuances or more than two options. Make sure you spell things out completely, using only the facts (no assumptions), and use small words.

Do you recognize anyone? Probably toxic bosses are everywhere and, unfortunately, weve all got a story to share.

Joan Schramm

Joan Schramm is ?The Workplace Solutions Expert?. As a professional Coach and owner of Momentum Coaching, Joan draws upon 25+ years of business and management experience to help her clients turn workplace crisis into workplace triumph. Joan holds an M.S. degree in Human Resource Management and Development and has developed and taught classes on Customer Service, Sexual Harassment and Diversity. Joan is the developer of a 21-day e-course called "Your Perfect Job -- 21 Days to Finding Your Way" and has written career-related articles for various websites. She is also a highly regarded expert contributor to AllExperts.com. Joan lives in beautiful Annapolis, MD with her husband, Michael, two rescued Great Danes and three rescued cats. In addition to her work with the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue, Joan is an avid reader and fishing enthusiast.

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Joan says: ?I work with people who are dealing with conflicts or problems in their workplace and who struggle with how best to handle the issues and get their work done without a lot of stress, distraction and crisis.

What separates my service from other workplace coaches is that I specialize in helping people who have extreme issues with co-workers, bosses or employees. Because of this, I can help my clients to develop solutions tailored directly to their personal situation, and not ?out of the box?, cookie-cutter ideas.

If you'd like to know more, e-mail me to set up a time and let's talk!?