Here's how I would handle a bad leader.

Published on November 25, 2025
Duration: 1:30

Drawing on extensive military experience, John "Shrek" McPhee, founder of Sheriff of Baghdad tactical training, advises on handling difficult leaders. His core philosophy is to maintain professional standards, act as a good student and employee, and perform your duties flawlessly. This approach, he argues, prevents bad leaders from having grounds for negative action and ultimately allows you to outlast them by living a better life and becoming your best self.

Quick Summary

John "Shrek" McPhee advises handling bad leaders by maintaining professional standards and performing flawlessly, just as you would with a good leader. This excellence prevents negative actions and allows you to outlast difficult bosses by focusing on personal growth and integrity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Handling Bad Leaders: Core Advice
  2. 00:15Army Experience & Playing a Flawless Game
  3. 00:33Don't Outshine the Leader
  4. 00:52The Transience of Bad Leadership
  5. 01:11The Best Revenge: Living a Better Life

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary advice for dealing with a bad leader?

The core advice is to act the same as you would with a good leader: be a good student and a good employee. Maintain professional standards and perform your duties flawlessly, regardless of the leadership quality.

How can you protect yourself from a bad leader's negative actions?

By consistently performing your role at a high level and playing a 'flawless game,' you give a bad leader no grounds to take negative action against you. Excellence in your work serves as a protective measure.

Should you try to outshine a bad leader?

No, McPhee advises against trying to outshine a bad leader. It's better to let them take credit for good ideas and avoid becoming a target for their insecurities by not appearing as a threat.

What is the best long-term strategy for dealing with a bad boss?

The ultimate way to overcome a bad boss is to focus on living a better life and becoming the best version of yourself. By maintaining integrity and excelling in your role, you eventually move past the negative leadership.

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