8. Give the Benefit of the Doubt

Let's play devil's advocate. Fact is, your boss's door may be closed to discuss sensitive issues and hush-hush strategies. Perhaps he's actually working during all those hours he vanishes. Maybe the reason little gets done is that his superiors are dragging their feet. Fact is, it's easier to demonize than empathize; people rarely fit the rigid caricatures we create for them. So look and hope for the best in people. It's all you have. While you cannot ignore your doubts, a reflexive distrust only makes matters worse.