Turn the Tables and Rate Your Boss

Who's the Boss

For eBossWatch, a survey of six questions allows users to anonymously rate their bosses on their level of communication and respect, involvement in career development, and whether the user would recommend the boss.

To find information about a particular boss, the job seeker simply enters his potential boss' name into the database to find out whether he or she has a past record that should raise alarms.

Likewise, Martin Lehman, a counselor at free business advice organization Score NYC, advises people to find out as much as they can about a potential employer, preferably from current employees.

If eBossWatch doesn't have your boss listed, another option is to talk to the company's customers or vendors, explains Lehman. The important thing is to talk to as many people as you can -- if a boss has a bad reputation, it will eventually get around.

However, always keep some perspective about where you're obtaining the information. "[eBossWatch] is an advice column. Advice is fine, but it all depends on the circumstances," Lehman cautions.

Particularly in the small-business environment, your relationship with your boss is important. "When you get up in the morning and go to work, you want to be happy. You don't have to be chastised," says Lehman.