Q: We work for a man who is two people — one good, one bad. We don't know who he is from day to day. He says he wants our ideas to improve billing, sales, packaging and the overall process. When he's the good boss, he loves hearing our ideas. When he's not, he shoots down anyone who says anything. When he likes an idea, he changes it to show he is smarter than us.

Don't misunderstand; we know he's the boss and is entitled to do things his way, but working with someone like this is just weird. When he's the good boss, he's great, which is why we all stay. He is kind and giving and will listen to people's problems. Whether it's family or financial, he takes the time to hear about what's bothering a person, and he offers sincere suggestions to help. We just want to know how to sense his mood in advance.

A: Moody people can successfully be managed not by learning how to control them, but by learning how to not exacerbate their bad mood. A person in an irritable or highly agitated state will likely take it out on whoever is nearby. Though many people who experience regular mood swings blame others for their own angry state of mind, those "others" are not the cause of it.

Some people have an innate ability of sensing another's mood, but generally, this sensitivity is rare. One technique to share with your co-workers is to always let your boss speak first. Smile when you greet him to see how he responds. Let him take the lead in generating conversations. When he speaks, listen to the tone in his voice, not just his words. If he is feeling down or ornery, his mood will come through even if his words seem polite. When you feel his negativity, keep your distance and respond minimally, if a response is required. Initiating conversation may seem intrusive to him. If you must verbally deliver crucial information to him, keep it brief, then email it in detail. It's always best, regardless of a person's mood, to follow up any substantive conversation in writing. Verbally informing your boss of anything should be on an emergency-delivery basis only so you won't feel pressured to know his mood before speaking. Adopt the attitude of "it's his prerogative," which should provide peace and harmony to your workplace, regardless of your boss' moods.

Supervisor's Arrogance Irritates Workers

Q: We have a small media department at a publication. Our supervisor operates in a state of emergency. She is very experienced, but repeatedly barks out reminders. What can we say to this know-it-all to show how her personality is causing us to hate her?

A: Hate is a serious word and a strong emotion; let's call her behavior "annoying." Perhaps her extensive knowledge has led to intolerance of anyone who is slow catch on to what has to be done. Since she knows the business, ignoring her information is not smart. Tell her you respect her guidance but her reminders are coming across as arrogant, which you don't think she intends.

She might be short-tempered from employees making mistakes repeatedly, so review your work product to see if it's lacking. If your work product is good, show her the proof that you no longer need reminders.

Email your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter@The LindseyNovak. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.