Dealing with Horrible Bosses - Investment Banking, Corporate Development etc., "Say sorry and ignore."

I have experience I want to share; I have worked for a boss who hardly spoke English and didn't understand what I was saying (although he reckoned that he was "naive fluent"). He used to scream at me a lot; you would think in the 21st century, these things won't happen in work place, thanks to the HR, but it is known to happen a lot in banking (where there is strong hierarchy). I developed notes about how to deal with horrible bosses.

My objective has been to go home ASAP. I take it day by day.

My conclusion is I get to go home early if I say sorry whenever my boss is unhappy and ignore his unnecessary requests.

(1) When he is shouting at you, just let him. Don't you dare says a word or justify yourself. This helps finish the shouting early. Do not try to justify yourself, just say sorry.

(2) Do not hang out with your bosses outside the office. Not even coffee. Politely turn down all the offers. He will get the hint soon. The closer you get to your boss, the more self-control you are giving up. You are actually handing over your life to your boss.

(3) Be prepared but do not show the preparation unless he asks you. When he is checking your forecast, simulation models etc., just show him what he needs to see. The chances are that he does not understand the model and just wants the final results. Guys in their 50s and 60s (today) will not understand the modern finance theory. They say they do, but they don't. My boss was amused for being able to understand "risk-adjusted return." Yes he is an idiot. Just humour him, but do not show him that you are humouring him.

(4) Even in the office, ignore and avoid your boss as much as you can.

(5) Your boss is inefficient; do not point out. Just let him live in his "little world" where whatever he says is right.

(6) Do not take the phone. Once you answer outside the office hours, he assumes that you will answer in the future and he can call you. Just switch off the phone.

(7) When you leave the office, your boss is still there. Don't say Good-bye. This is for the same reason as in (6).

(8) Just make corrections he wants you to. When you correct them, bring him/email him his original comments together with your new work.

(9) Do the least but not the 100%. Again you do not want your boss thinking that you are a pushover with no life outside the office.

(10) When your boss makes inappropriate comments (about your dress, attitude), say sorry and ignore. You do not have to change yourself as far as these things are concerned. But don't argue with your boss. Just say sorry and ignore.

The point is to think "what do I have to do to get out of the office at the earliest time today?" This works. Really works.

I am happy to share more if there is interest.

 

then quit and find another gig. Be sure to have a story ready and plenty of other positive references (colleagues, clients etc).

I used to do Asia-Pacific PE (kind of like FoF). Now I do something else but happy to try and answer questions on that stuff.
 

I sympathize with your situation. It is really hard to give advice without knowing what industry/role you are in.how long have you been with the firm/group? What are your career goals? MBA?

What do others in your level have to say about your boss? Do you know anyone else who used to report to him? Do you have any mentors on your team?

Would be good to know the structure of your group as it is likely pertinent.

 
B2Banker:

I sympathize with your situation. It is really hard to give advice without knowing what industry/role you are in.how long have you been with the firm/group? What are your career goals? MBA?

What do others in your level have to say about your boss? Do you know anyone else who used to report to him? Do you have any mentors on your team?

Would be good to know the structure of your group as it is likely pertinent.

First off, thank you for all the responses

I have been with the firm for about a year. I work in a consultant type role within the Asset Management industry. My group acts as the middleman between the PM's and clients by managing relationships and building new ones. It's a fun field and you can make A LOT of money (im not close to that level yet).

My co-workers think my boss is nuts as well but they just put up with it. I have befriended a several guys in upper management and they just tell me to stick with it. Im basically being driven 2x as hard as my coworkers but i know upper management notices.

 

Are you me? Over the years I've had terrible bosses and awesome bosses. Some well-respected, some with terrible reputations and hated around the firm and on the street (he didn't last long).

Unfortunately, in this business there's going to be a lot of assholes. Ego and success feed off each other and often terrible people rise to the top. You gotta look out for yourself and your own career development. Where do you want to be in 3, 5, 10 years? How much do you want to be making? What's the best way to get there?

In this business having good, successful mentors is KEY. But you gotta find ones who 1. actually want to mentor you and 2. are successful. I'm still looking for that person too, these days I seem to only be able to find one or the other. Working for a successful guy is pointless and potentially harmful if he doesn't like you or doesn't teach you anything. If you're just using him as a stepping stone onto something greater and his deals/trades are high profile, then fine. But if you plan on sticking around for a few years, work for a manager who is fair to you and treats you well. Many terrible managers will throw you under the bus and attribute all your contributions/successes to himself come comp time. Some of them became respected because of this tactic rather than actual skill.

Perception is everything.

 
CtrlAltEnd:

Are you me? Over the years I've had terrible bosses and awesome bosses. Some well-respected, some with terrible reputations and hated around the firm and on the street (he didn't last long).

Unfortunately, in this business there's going to be a lot of assholes. Ego and success feed off each other and often terrible people rise to the top. You gotta look out for yourself and your own career development. Where do you want to be in 3, 5, 10 years? How much do you want to be making? What's the best way to get there?

In this business having good, successful mentors is KEY. But you gotta find ones who 1. actually want to mentor you and 2. are successful. I'm still looking for that person too, these days I seem to only be able to find one or the other. Working for a successful guy is pointless and potentially harmful if he doesn't like you or doesn't teach you anything. If you're just using him as a stepping stone onto something greater and his deals/trades are high profile, then fine. But if you plan on sticking around for a few years, work for a manager who is fair to you and treats you well. Many terrible managers will throw you under the bus and attribute all your contributions/successes to himself come comp time. Some of them became respected because of this tactic rather than actual skill.

Perception is everything.

+1 to you.

Winners bring a bigger bag than you do. I have a degree in meritocracy.
 
CtrlAltEnd:

Are you me? Over the years I've had terrible bosses and awesome bosses. Some well-respected, some with terrible reputations and hated around the firm and on the street (he didn't last long).

Unfortunately, in this business there's going to be a lot of assholes. Ego and success feed off each other and often terrible people rise to the top. You gotta look out for yourself and your own career development. Where do you want to be in 3, 5, 10 years? How much do you want to be making? What's the best way to get there?

In this business having good, successful mentors is KEY. But you gotta find ones who 1. actually want to mentor you and 2. are successful. I'm still looking for that person too, these days I seem to only be able to find one or the other. Working for a successful guy is pointless and potentially harmful if he doesn't like you or doesn't teach you anything. If you're just using him as a stepping stone onto something greater and his deals/trades are high profile, then fine. But if you plan on sticking around for a few years, work for a manager who is fair to you and treats you well. Many terrible managers will throw you under the bus and attribute all your contributions/successes to himself come comp time. Some of them became respected because of this tactic rather than actual skill.

Perception is everything.

I agree. Perception is everything in life.

In my case, the majority of upper management guys in my company are really nice and willing to pass on advice. The only dick in the company is my boss. But like I mentioned, those same upper management guys love my boss. I think my boss just likes to treat his sub-ordinates like shit because its fun. That's the impression I get.

And hell yes, I am using this position as a stepping stone. All the older guys in my company claimed that they had to "eat shit" at the beginning lf their careers. Gotta use my time wisely. Always be networking

 
Johnson:

Long story short, my boss is nuts. I can't figure this guy out. He doesn't talk me (only to his superiors/peers). He gives me a shit load of extra work to do (much more than my coworkers) and assigns deadlines that conflict with other important projects. If ask him for advice/help with something he always give me a short answer and tells me to get assistance elseware.

HOWEVER, my boss is very successful and is very well respected among his peers. The guy is smart and obviously knows the industry so his crazy way of doing business must work.

I'm at a point where I don't know if I should just go with flow and trust him or look elseware. I work for a great firm but the pressure and feeling of being treated like shit is getting to be overwhelming.

What would you do in this situation?

lol jus becuz u r middle/upper mgmt doesn't mean u r gr8 to work with

would start seeking alternative options - if talking to him doesn't help, of course

speed boost blaze
 
torchic:
Johnson:

Long story short, my boss is nuts. I can't figure this guy out. He doesn't talk me (only to his superiors/peers). He gives me a shit load of extra work to do (much more than my coworkers) and assigns deadlines that conflict with other important projects. If ask him for advice/help with something he always give me a short answer and tells me to get assistance elseware.

HOWEVER, my boss is very successful and is very well respected among his peers. The guy is smart and obviously knows the industry so his crazy way of doing business must work.

I'm at a point where I don't know if I should just go with flow and trust him or look elseware. I work for a great firm but the pressure and feeling of being treated like shit is getting to be overwhelming.

What would you do in this situation?

lol jus becuz u r middle/upper mgmt doesn't mean u r gr8 to work with

would start seeking alternative options - if talking to him doesn't help, of course

'No Child Left Behind' programme went well I see.

Well this one is easier said than done.

  1. If possible play your political cards and start working underneath a better boss.
  2. If you are stuck with the psycho boss find out if he has helped place previous workers into better roles
  3. If he doesn't help his junior employees move to better roles or ever get promoted, gut instinct is to bounce
  4. If he actually does help junior people move up the ranks... Then it may be worth it to go through hell, shovel sh*t sandwiches and get the upgraded role (if that $$$ is right of course)

TL;DR if he doesn't help you move up, you should move out. If he does (only believe his previous hires not what he says "better well done than well said") then it's up to you depending on the level of stupidity of the work and how much the pay increase would be.

Good luck!

 
WallStreetPlayboys:

Well this one is easier said than done.

1. If possible play your political cards and start working underneath a better boss.
2. If you are stuck with the psycho boss find out if he has helped place previous workers into better roles
3. If he doesn't help his junior employees move to better roles or ever get promoted, gut instinct is to bounce
4. If he actually does help junior people move up the ranks... Then it may be worth it to go through hell, shovel sh*t sandwiches and get the upgraded role (if that $$$ is right of course)

TL;DR if he doesn't help you move up, you should move out. If he does (only believe his previous hires not what he says "better well done than well said") then it's up to you depending on the level of stupidity of the work and how much the pay increase would be.

Good luck!

My crazy boss has promoted 2 guys since he has been with firm and he treats them very well. Both of them told me that my boss is probably bi-polar but a good guy at heart. Whatever that means.

Right now the $$$ sucks but once I get my CFA (fingers crossed) and get promoted I will start to make substantial money. That's the way the consulting industry works

 

Whenever I get conflicting assignments I never prioritize them myself. I always send an email to both of the supervisors explaining I'm on both projects and get them to prioritize the projects, I also follow up in person.

I've made the mistake before of making the decision on my end, and only speaking in person to the supervisors. If you have an email chain and someone gets mad that there project didn't get done, you at least have in writing you asked them for guidance and this is what was agreed upon.

I've been burned too many times and since I've started doing this workflow is a lot more manageable and it has significantly cut down on the number of times a supervisor decides to scream at my face.

 

Fuck them. Find another boss. I got fed up with an immediate supervisor so I befriended the MD....I don't get friendly treatment but I don't get shit on anymore.

Realistically, assholes don't have a long term vision that has anyone but their own best interests at heart. So you grab what you can, and then you either find a way to make the politics work for you OR you bounce out. Since you're dealing with an asshole, you don't have to worry about them beyond what they can do for you.

These are the people that do dick things and then say "life is unfair". So, I've learned to deal with them on their own terms. Life is unfair, eh? Good....now I am unfair too.

Get busy living
 
Best Response

I guess I'm an anti semite now? Man, I just can't win.

Jewish: We're treated unfairly, we will sue you White: Life is unfair, and the reality is we keep things that way Asian: Life is unfair, but you have to study hard and you can break even Ukrainian: Life is unfair, so let's have a revolution Black: We're treated unfairly, so I'm robbing you bro Putin: Life is unfair, so I'll just start WWIII Obama: Life is unfair, so I'll denounce you with idealistic language and then send in a SEAL hit squad Palin: Life is unfair, and I can see it from my back yard McCain: Life is unfair, but I'm too old to remember why. But we have to stand against it my friends Biden: Life is unfair, let me talk about it for an hour. winks heyyyy, how YOU doin? Carl Icahn: Life is unfair, and I demand that my people sit on the unfairness committee Ackman: Life is unfair, and given the size of my position I'd really like the gov't to do something about it Loeb: Life is unfair, and I just raped you to the tune of 42% last year. Suck it. Buffet: Life is unfair, and that's very unfair. I'd do something about it, but if no one else is, then fuck it. Catholic: Life is unfair....and you deserve all the shit that happens to you Republican: Life is unfair, vote for me so I can at least profit from it Democratic: Life is unfair, but let's tax it anyway Libertarian: Life is unfair, and you shouldn't expect the gov't or anyone to do anything about it Gun nut: Life is unfair, but we can shoot you Hippy: Life is unfair, and it's because mother nature is a raging cunt who doesn't care about you Scientologist: Life is unfair, our audit will determine how much we can charge you to find out why Keynsian: Life is unfair, so let's create more unfairness to stimulate the economy Austrian: Life unfair, and it's the FED's fault China: Life is unfair, so let's unfairly peg the price of our worthless currency to your worthless currency so we can hoard tea and jade Swiss: Life is unfair, and despite banking reforms I can still help you hide some of it Icelandic: Life is unfair, but you can come party here to get your mind off of it Socialist: life is unfair, but we can redistribute the unfairness. And then we shoot you. Communist: Life is unfair, but we can redistibute the unfairness. And then we shoot you. And your family. Fascist: We shoot you. Nazi: Life is unfair, now get in the chamber Terrorist: Life is unfair, so I'm blowing myself up because there's nothing you can do to me that I'm not already doing to myself

This kind of went downhill but hey, maybe this will make reddit or something.

Get busy living
 

Don't give up or give up sooner. Make a decision. The information you provided was not sufficient enough for an objective enough advice. My bold guess is he just doesn't like you and doesn't want to see you around yet still tries to be nice to answer your questions. You can indirectly find out whether this is true. If so, the decision should be easier for you.

Invest first, investigate later.
 

What are the hours like? And the pay?

Did anyone notice that WS wannabes act and think exactly like wannabes actresses or actors in Hollywood? If I do this unpaid internship, I might get noticed by a firm that actually pays. If I do well there, I might move into a big league.

My advice is you should think what you want from life (so you have to answer the 2 questions, hours and pay). You like many others have to work like a piece of **** to make ends meet in this world and you have to find a job that is bearable and sustainable (assuming that all jobs have upside and downside). If it's a sound firm, there is always a possibility of internal transfer. This is when you make up a bull**** story like "I want to learn something else."

 

IMO, you should quit.

[quote=Matrick][in reply to Tony Snark"]Why aren't you blogging for WSO and become the date doctor for WSO? There seems to be demand. [/quote] [quote=BatMasterson][in reply to Tony Snark's dating tip] Sensible advice.[/quote]
 
jsnoots23:
This isn't subtle but my boss told me her old vp was a asshole and one day someone snuck into his office after work and literally took a shit on the guys desk. After that she said he got the message and was a lot easier to work with after. Risk worth the reward?

Maybe he brought the turd from home in a bag/tupperware to avoid getting caught squatting over the desk...

"Dont compromise yourself; you're all you've got" - Janis Joplin
 
jsnoots23:
This isn't subtle but my boss told me her old vp was a asshole and one day someone snuck into his office after work and literally took a shit on the guys desk. After that she said he got the message and was a lot easier to work with after. Risk worth the reward?

I see anohter opportunity here....At www.shitonyourbossesdesk.com, our team of dedicated shitters will anonymously shit on your bosses desk at very reasonable rates.

 

This is dumb in my opinion. If I feel strongly enough to tell someone how I fell about them, I will tell them. If I feel strongly but don't want the person to know, I will write about it in my personal notes and will not tell them. More times then not though, I just don't give a fuck.

 

If you can't tell your boss off to his face while you are working, you shouldn't be doing it anonymously. You also shouldn't do it when you leave your job, you never know who he knows in the business or who might be his friend.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

For better or worse, I think I started saying "no" in my career a bit earlier. I was just over a year in as an entry level consultant. After weeks of working for the same manager (an unabashed workaholic himself) who had repeatedly been asking me to complete mundane tasks almost entirely unrelated to the work product, I finally put my foot down. By putting my foot down, I sacrificed a work relationship. I never again worked for that manager. But I gained a bunch of new relationships. Other people in my group heard about what I did, and it got me a lot of new, better work.

Saying "no" is taking a risk. You're usually going to piss at least one person off. But if you are careful and way your options, it can pay off.

 

Communication is key. Prove that you are hardworking in the beginning, but let your superiors know what other projects you're involved with. This way they are less inclined to load you up with work. Definitely spin things and like OP stated don't ever state "no" but give a clear reasoning and a clear timeline of when things need to be done.

 

In front of the whole office, a VP asked me if I had finished this project over the weekend (which I hadn't finished mainly because I was fed up and went out partying instead).

I SHOULD have given my usual BS to buy enough time to crank out a product that seemed like I had worked all weekend on.

INSTEAD, I was too tired...so I just said "No". (EVERYONE in the office turned their heads with wide eyes)

VP: WHAT!? You didn't come in over the weekend!?!

Me: I wanted to, but I couldn't. (I had already started making up a story in my head why I physically couldn't make it)

VP: You know the meeting is today!

Me: I know, I'm working on it.

Result: I cranked it out, it came down to the wire, very stressful, but we made it. He was not happy with me, but hey...I finished it and I didn't come in over the weekend!!! haha.

Probably should've gone with "yeah, just finishing up some last formatting stuff and waiting for a page from X team"..... That runs the risk of "well just send me what you have so far"... and I had not made one change from the last draft he had seen.

 
Alicehusty:
Well this was nice post. I feel that not everybody knows the art of saying no and cannot be easily acquired either. While some may not be able to say no at all, some may say no politely and succeed while others may do so in a straight forward manner and send the message to the concerned person without any issues. It all depends on the people involved as well as the circumstances.

Thanks, Alicehusty.

@MTMW, glad that worked out for ya haha. hope your boss doesn't slam you on reviews for an incident like that.

Sometimes lies are more dependable than the truth.
 

That sucks. Try not to take it personally I guess. At least it's good you know because you could have went nuts trying to make all the right moves for that MD. Eventually when you've established yourself move on if it can't work. Try to communicate through different forms, what I mean is verbally, formal emails, IM, formal meetings, informal. Point is maybe one is easier than the other for the MD. Sometimes informal verbal with follow up email can be useful when you're getting yelled at for something you didn't even work on or my favorite something you were asked to do by the MD.

 

Been there. Done that. Not as a FT employee but as an intern except my boss talked sh*t about EVERYBODY in the office. Literally, 1/4 of our office was trying to leave or at least was open about it. Many did. I ask the other colleagues for references if possible. It was a buyside internship with lots of relevant experience but some of the dealmaking/operational processes was slowed because our boss had issues with non-existent problems. After he tried to micromanage on occasion he realized he was wrong/didn't know what he was doing & the rest of the employees were right the whole time. Left many bitter employees.

 

things work both ways. sure he may impact your reference list but smart employers don't bad mouth ex employees due to risk of lawsuit. in this case, if it really was that bad and you have evidence to back your story, I would teach him a lesson. it's actually very common for people to sue past employers for things like you describe but also to guarantee nothing will come up during reference checks. it may cost you a buck but do it for your integrity. I would.

 

I'm not usually the type to advocate legal action, but he's literally ruining your reputation so might be worth looking into if you can sue him for slander / libel.

People tend to think life is a race with other people. They don't realize that every moment they spend sprinting towards the finish line is a moment they lose permanently, and a moment closer to their death.
 

okay so I should probably add more color to this situation--honestly I am a bit scared of legal action myself. The other thing management has currently put my business up for sale so everyone, even my boss, is in jeopardy of losing their jobs. Because of all the shit he had done 3 months earlier, I had already found a job and announced that I was quitting couple weeks after the business was put up on a sale (so thankful for that timing). Also my new job is in related industry and at a much better company with better salary so I am very happy that I felt pushed to job search without the pressure of losing my job.

 

Also, where is this firm located and what do they do (banking, consulting, etc.)? Would be worth sharing so people can avoid this place.

People tend to think life is a race with other people. They don't realize that every moment they spend sprinting towards the finish line is a moment they lose permanently, and a moment closer to their death.
 
butterfly1456:
i would love to tell you but i don't want to be sued for defamation myself...

Thats not how defamation law works.

You are allowed to state your opinions on an organization as long as you do not misrepresent factual statements.

Because when you're in a room full of smart people, smart suddenly doesn't matter—interesting is what matters.
 

I would first sit down and try to have an adult conversation with your boss. If that leads to nothing, document any evidence you have against your boss and speak with his boss. Contact HR/Legal if none of these other two works. Having a job lined up gives you a lot of freedom to deal with this how you want to. I would warn you though to not take it so far that it leaves the walls of the firm.

 

I worked for a guy like him last summer too, biggest pain in the ass ever. True ballers don't need to nitpick so much but Banking seems to be filled with d-bags like this.

 

Seriously... why is Banking filled with douchebags like this?

Aren't they suppose to be a star to get pass VP in the hierarchy in an investment bank? Or are they tormenting the juniors the way they had it?

 
FeelingMean:
"Shit face," whoa!

Kill him with kindness and good work. Just keep doing what you are doing.

I agree 100%. Chances are he will get used to it and present you with an opportunity to do it in front of people that matter. Right away, they'll mentally give you a green check mark and him a red x, or a question mark at the very least. Unless he's a complete social dolt, he'll realize what's just happened.

,
 

It seems to the best thing to do in this situation is to continue to perform at high level, make sure everyone else likes you and knows you are a more than competent employee, and just smile and act like his shit doesn't bother you.

Unless you have the option/ability to switch teams there isn't much you can do without pissing the guy off even more.

[quote=patternfinder]Of course, I would just buy in scales. [/quote] See my WSO Blog | my AMA
 

Keep doing good work and making friends. If the douche can't actually fire you, I'd look for a way to crush them, make an example out of them, and improve your situation. People will respect you for this.

Get busy living
 

imagine how nuts you are driving him by him not being able to can you. try to enjoy that.

and yeah, we all have shit faces at work we would love to kick the crap out of. you've got plenty of company in your misery.

 

If he has influence over your career and you can't transfer to another group, I would get out of there.

Many employers use the 'hire slow, fire fast' technique. You should consider the same in reverse. What's the upside of staying?

 

ask him out for a drink. Make sure you only drink Corona and invite him over to your house

(edit) But seriously, asking won't hurt. Either it could turn into a positive bonding session where you guys iron things out or at least he will say no but be impressed by your unexpected approach.

Worst case scenario, it's still back to ground zero where you two hate each other

The Knicks are back?
 
stoudemire1:
ask him out for a drink. Make sure you only drink Corona and invite him over to your house

(edit) But seriously, asking won't hurt. Either it could turn into a positive bonding session where you guys iron things out or at least he will say no but be impressed by your unexpected approach.

Worst case scenario, it's still back to ground zero where you two hate each other

I think this is the best suggestion.

"For I am a sinner in the hands of an angry God. Bloody Mary full of vodka, blessed are you among cocktails. Pray for me now and at the hour of my death, which I hope is soon. Amen."
 

I deal with assholes by being overly formal, strict and business only. He makes a joke (about me or anyone/anything else), I look at him for a few seconds with the eyes of the tiger and then turn around and walk away. I can feel him screaming inside with frustration. I grin and wink at the guy next to me. I am his new idol.

Passive dominance works with insecure cunts.

 
shittyquant:
I've been trying all of the above, and will keep at it.
You can always just take his picture and address, give it to a biker buddy along with a case of beer, and ask that they beat the shit out of the guy. This will keep him out of the office for a while.
Get busy living
 

Call him out in front of the rest of the team, you'll embarrass the shit out of him. Ask him why he goes out of his way to make your life around the office miserable. Try to bring it up in a situation where he (or anyone else) can't get away easily, that is, they don't have an easy excuse.

By the sound of it, you'll have the backing of some of the others guys.

Worst case: It doesn't go that well, and afterwards you leave the firm.

 
jacksooon999:
Call him out in front of the rest of the team, you'll embarrass the shit out of him. Ask him why he goes out of his way to make your life around the office miserable. Try to bring it up in a situation where he (or anyone else) can't get away easily, that is, they don't have an easy excuse.

By the sound of it, you'll have the backing of some of the others guys.

Worst case: It doesn't go that well, and afterwards you leave the firm.

You don't want to make it look like you are trying to embarrass your boss or a coworker.

You may not want to make it difficult for him to step in it, but you don't want to shove him into it either.

The strategy right now is to talk with the folks you trust the most and ask them what he's been saying BEHIND your back. Then enlist their help. Eventually he will shoot himself in the foot.

OP has a track record, asshole doesn't. OP just needs to continue getting more done than asshole, and he is set.

 

You just have to shank someone your first day in the yard, then people (your boss) will know you're hard and not to be fucked with

My drinkin' problem left today, she packed up all her bags and walked away.
 

Your goal is to keep running circles around him. And when he screws up, you need to nicely fix his mistake. This will piss him off and he will make more mistakes. Eventually he will be gone.

But it won't happen overnight.

Keep your eyes out for an internal transfer opportunity or even an external opening. And be nice when you leave. Just tell them, "things aren't working as well as I had hoped- at least right now."

 

OP, The biggest thing is to make sure your work product is being seen by others. I don't know if you work at a smaller firm, but at smaller firms, more responsibility is in the hands of your superiors; ensuring yourself of a good review, is very important. These reviews can in some circumstances be word for word of whatever your immediate boss says, spewed out by some senior employee. Always remember to maintain good relationships and go to other senior staffers with some questions about your work product or ask for an initial review of the project. Best of luck. Let us know how things work out.

Play the long game - give back, help out, mentor - just don't ever forget where you came from. #Bootstrapped
 

You also need to keep thanking your boss when things work out and he was even remotely involved. If he really has it in for just you, you need to accidentally rub every victory, every thank you in his face a little.

Your goal is to get him off his game. And accidentally make him look ridiculous in front of others every once in a while. No call-outs, no angry fights in front of your team or others. Maybe angry fights and callouts behind closed doors.

 
IlliniProgrammer:
You also need to keep thanking your boss when things work out and he was even remotely involved. If he really has it in for just you, you need to accidentally rub every victory, every thank you in his face a little.

Your goal is to get him off his game. And accidentally make him look ridiculous in front of others every once in a while. No call-outs, no angry fights in front of your team or others. Maybe angry fights and callouts behind closed doors.

None of this passive-aggressive shit is going to work....you are not going to be able to get your boss fired, that is one of the reasons he is called your boss because you cant fire him. Sad truth is that If your boss really hates you and it truly is nothing you can fix by doing a good job then you have to leave, period. Keep doing your job well, get your resume together, and start looking for another job. Or if you work at a big firm maybe you can find a way to lateral to another group...but either way you need a job change not some ridiculous machiavellian scheme to slowly get him fired.

 

Become good friends with the CEO, work out a plan where you replace his ass. Hack into his trading account and put some crazy trades through his account. Classic tire slashing works too.

 

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