ABOUT THE BOOK

In today’s corporate landscape, professionals at every level—from early-career to senior executives—face the challenge of working with difficult managers.

In Have You Ever Had a Boss That…: Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace, Eric Charran provides actionable strategies to help you not only cope but excel in even the most dysfunctional environments. Drawing from extensive research and real-life experiences, this book explores different types of difficult managers and offers tailored advice for thriving at every career stage.

Charran identifies the nine boss archetypes as:

• The Surprised – The Deer-in-Headlights Boss who is caught off guard by issues, even when previously informed.
• The Emergency Broadcaster – The Chicken Little Boss who believes every minor issue is a major crisis and panics frequently.
• The Complainer – The Woe-is-Me Boss who constantly complains about problems without seeking solutions.
• The Amnesiac – The Forgetful Leader who frequently forgets past discussions, decisions, and promises.
• The Firefighter – The Crisis Junkie who thrives on managing crises, often creating emergencies to feel important.
• The Order Taker – The Yes-Man (or Woman) who always agrees with superiors and avoids making independent decisions.
• The Raw Nerve – The Overly Sensitive Boss who reacts emotionally to feedback and criticism, often taking things personally.
• The Attack Sub – The Stealthy Saboteur who engages in undermining behaviors and indirect attacks on colleagues.
• The LIFO (Last in, First Out) – The Fickle Manager who frequently changes priorities, often abandoning tasks or projects halfway through.

As Charran explains in his preface, “The inspiration for this book was born from my own trials, tribulations, and learnings throughout my professional journey. As I navigated the complexities of working with difficult managers and challenging workplace dynamics, I often found myself wishing for a guide—a resource that could offer practical advice and emotional support. My hope is that by sharing my experiences and the strategies I’ve developed, this book will make your professional life easier and more impactful, leading to greater satisfaction and success.”

Whether you’re just starting out, managing a team, or leading an organization, Have You Ever Had a Boss That… is an essential guide that will equip readers with the tools to navigate workplace challenges, manage difficult personalities, and build lasting success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eric Charran is a visionary technology executive, author, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in transforming global enterprises through digital innovation, data-driven strategy, and AI-driven solutions. Known for his ability to bridge the gap between business objectives and complex technology, Eric has spearheaded transformative initiatives at major organizations, including Microsoft and Capital One, where he served as Chief Architect, bringing substantial advances in cloud resilience, digital transformation, and data infrastructure efficiency. His strategic insights and leadership have driven high-impact changes across sectors, optimizing performance and fostering resilience in industries from finance to healthcare.

In Have You Ever Had a Boss That…, Charran draws on his extensive leadership experience and his understanding of corporate dynamics to offer readers a guide to navigating workplace challenges, enhancing personal effectiveness, and fostering a balanced, fulfilling career. With insights that resonate across industries, he empowers readers to become more effective leaders and team players. With a career shaped by a commitment to measurable impact and a player-coach leadership style, Charran is a sought-after speaker and advisor on topics of leadership, digital innovation, and organizational change. His work continues to influence leaders and organizations seeking sustainable, innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving world.