If the Boss Has a Problem, Maybe You Do, Too
A good article from the Career Couch at the New York Times on what to do with a faltering boss:
There's no formula for assessing irrational behavior. "If you've worked for your boss for a while, you probably know what types of actions would seem odd," said John Baldoni, a management consultant in Ann Arbor, Mich. He said that unprovoked tirades by the boss could be just as suggestive of trouble as his disappearing for days at a time.Out-of-character behavior could be caused by almost anything - including personal issues such as alcoholism, chronic depression or problems at home, as well as under-the-radar stresses at work, such as an internal audit, lawsuit or performance review. Whatever the reason, Mr. Baldoni says, it is prudent to note unusual behavior and to compile a written record of your observations in case you are asked for specifics down the line.
Overall, I agree with the author's call for direct, but very discree, action. This is probably one of te toughest situations that any employee can face.
