Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant™ (TOT): How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job

Chapter 9. Tantrums

About Tantrums

"Hey," she says, "where are you going?"

You can tell from her tone that getting a muffin is not what she has in mind for you. Still, you crave that caffeine blast and blueberry bun, so you blurt out the truth: "I'm going to get coffee." The next thing you know, you're back in your office with a stack of redlined reports and the promise of another late night at your desk, while your boss contacts you every five minutes to remind you of things you have on your plate (which, unfortunately, does not include a muffin). Then she bursts in again carrying an extra-large caramel macchiato in her fist, sloshing the foam onto your desk as she gesticulates.

Is it possible that your boss—the leader of your team—handles stress no better than a toddler going through the terrible twos? On closer inspection, does her behavior resemble that of a child throwing a tantrum?

But Why?

Your boss might look like a bona fide executive, but don't let the laptop and lapels fool you. Did your boss's emotional maturity terminate at age two? Is your seemingly adult boss really a TOT?

Why would a grown adult in a position of power throw tantrums reminiscent of toddlers being told "No!" in a checkout line? Is there any real difference between a fist-pounding manager and a screeching toddler sprawled on the floor, candy locked in her fist?

Unfortunately, one of the most glaring similarities ...