Continued from Meet the Boss from Hell, Page 1 

Your 30-year-old boss berates you daily--and you're not sure why. Before you give your pink slip, read these tips:

• Try to brush it off
"When a boss lashes out, chances are, it's not personal," Frankel says. "After all, if there was a legitimate problem, you'd know it. So it's likely he treats everyone with the same demeanor." De-sensitizing yourself to his comments ("It's not me, it's him...") will help put the problem--and your emotions--in perspective. 

• Emphasize results--not feelings
If your manager has a habit of being abrupt, instead of saying, "It bothers me when you cut me off," try something like, "This is what I need from you to perform well." Packaging your complaint in a positive light will lower his defenses, and highlighting the payoff (what he'll gain) will turn the cards in your favor. 

• Be a copycat
Your boss never says "Good morning." Rude? Sure. A deal breaker? Not really. "Success at work depends on your ability to work well with your boss--not the other way around," Frankel says. By speaking his language, you'll improve your relationship. So the next time he wants that report ASAP, hand it over and nix the pleasantries. He'll be satisfied--and you won't feel slighted.

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