Bad bosses focus on their own needs, ignore the concerns of others,  and act like the rules don't apply to them. Have you ever reported to someone or had people that report to you? Well then you've been on one side or both of the boss coin. Is your boss an asshole? If so, slip him Bob Sutton's The No Asshole Rule. If you just want to learn more about what makes a boss good or bad, then check out this talk by Stanford's very own Professor Bob Sutton. Also, head to Bob's frequently updated blog: Work Matters.