Few things are more destructive to a career than a boss who is insecure.Unfortunately, it is a near certainty that most people will encounter one or more such persons along the way.

"The actions of an insecure boss will eventually create an insecure organization,riddled with anxiety and indecision," says Ramon Greenwood, senior careercounselor at Common Sense At Work.com. "People will spend more time lookingover their shoulders than looking ahead. Good defenses become more importantthan effective offenses."

Seven Traits Of An Insecure Boss

You will know your boss is suffering from an insecurity complex when he or she isengaging in behavior highlighted by these seven such traits:

1. The boss insists on absolute control over everything in the department. He ruleswith an iron hand, refusing to delegate any real authority. He doesn't trust anyone.He has few allies. Those allies he does enlist are formed into a tight little cliquestrongly obligated to his authority and dependent on it. They live an uncertain lifeon a short leash.

2. The boss constantly interferes in the work of his staff. Second guesses are theorder of the day.

3. He constantly defends his position. Every question or hint of criticism is treated asa challenge to his worth and authority. He doubts he has the respect of hisassociates. Those who exhibit a mind of their own are under constant attack.

4. The insecure boss is most often an absolute perfectionist. He will climb the wallwhen you make a mistake. But look out. When he fouls up, he will blame it onsomeone else. He has to be right every time.

5. He will resist making decisions. This means endless studies and return trips tothe drawing boards.

6. He will frequently remind you who is boss.

7. He finds it next to impossible to laugh at himself, but he is quick to laugh atothers.

SEVEN ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

There are no certain quick fixes, but there are seven steps that will help mitigatethe situation and advance your own interests. Actually, insecure bosses can offeropportunities.

1. Be certain you are not contributing to your superior's low self-esteem. Doeverything you can to reassure him of your respect for his position and yourcommitment to helping him do his job.

2. Shore him up at every opportunity. Learn where he feels most insecure--wherehis hot buttons are--and make a special effort to be helpful in these areas.

3. When you have to challenge him, and surely you will from time to time, be certainto do it in a positive way. Don't question his authority. Never challenge or criticizethe boss in the presence of others.

4. Never go around your insecure boss to deal directly with his boss without explicitapproval. Make sure he realizes that you clearly understand the hierarchicalrelationships. You don't want to become an endangered species because you areseen as questioning his judgement and appealing to higher authorities.

5. Always be sure he gets more than his fair share of credit for your good work. Stayone step behind him when the limelight shines.

6. Find some of his good points and acknowledge them, publicly as well as privately.Remember, your boss may be a pain in the neck to work with, but surely he musthave some redeeming features worthy of compliments.

7. Think of your own insecurities and what helps you deal with them. Apply what youlearn from this analysis to dealing with your insecure boss.

Ramon Greenwood is former senior vice president of American Express; aprofessional director for various businesses; a consultant; a published author of career related books and a syndicated column. Senior career counselor for http://www.CommonSenseAtWork.com