Bosses are people too. No matter how irritated or intimidated you feel towards them.
But there is a time and a place to voice your opinion. If you are afraid to speak up, this is a reflection on you, not how "bad" your boss is. Living with integrity means not demeaning yourself or your thoughts. Being afraid to speak up is saying you have nothing of worth to say and that's bullshit.
I've found two main categories of bosses.
a) Bosses who don't want to be questioned.
b) Bosses who want to lead a team.
Both types have an ego. Sorry, but bosses are bosses because they feel they can do a job better than anybody else. Take ego in mind when you speak to them. But always remember they are your umbrella getting shit on while your in a safe dry cuby-hole. They shoulder more weight than you, the worker, care to take on. Never forget that. But never deny your ideas and thoughts are valuable.
You know the Boss "A" type ~ don't tell them what to do because they don't want to hear it. Projects will be done their way or the highway. Sometimes it's difficult to tell Boss "A" from Boss "B". When your boss is proven wrong, the light of which one they are will be apparent. Boss "A" ignores you, throws a fit, etc. Boss "B" will be shocked and then say, "hey, whatever works!"
When you want to yell at boss "A" don't threaten or question. Present your "yelling" in words of "Hey, take a look at this data, I found it interesting..." the report proves its point and everyone saves face. These bosses may (not always) take your ideas and make them their own. If it's good for the company that keeps you employed, you win. However, if you are in need of recognition...may I suggest you become a boss.
When you do yell at boss "B" they tend to get a twinkle in their eye that says, "I love a fighter." These bosses are usually overbearing, demanding and disguise themselves as a Boss "A". But there are fundamental differences. Boss "B" will give you credit and then pile more responsibility on your shoulders. Boss "B" will listen to your rant and then tell you to do it their way anyway, but they will give you tools to help. Boss "B" is looking to streamline your process.
Now, you might say to me, but my boss is nothing like that, she's so nice. That's more of a doormat than a boss. A true boss, even one that deserves your respect, will still invoke a bit of fear or awe in you.
What ever type of boss you have doesn't matter. Bottling up suggestions, feeling abused or feeling you can't say anything because you'll lose your job doesn't help the company. Good workers don't stay in an environment of abuse or neglect. Feel your worth and voice it ~ but choose your words carefully ~ bosses do cry, feel they've let you down and can generally feel crappy about having to be hard on their people.
The goal is to be a team. Not scream at each other.
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