Working for an impossible boss makes work a grind, but it will never serve you well to get into regular conflict with your boss, or anyone in a power position for that matter. You will never win, and being fired is not something you want on your resumé.

You do have a few options. First, you can stay stuck. You can let your ego get in the way, convince yourself that you are the victim and then continue to complain and push back. After all, if it wasn't for the boss, everything would be great.

Aternatively, you can park your ego and try to rebuild the relationship. You'll need to let go of the past and commit to moving forward. Apologize for what you've done to contribute to the discord and, if necessary, reach out to a third party to help rebuild the relationship.

The final option is to simply get out. Perhaps life is too short to be working closely with someone who isn't a fit.

If you want to avoid getting fired, you need to stay away from the first option. The other two are far more empowering ways to enjoy your career.

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In this brief but significant book, the authors, a grandfather-grandson team, explore how using positive psychology in everyday interactions can dramatically change our lives. The authors suggest that we all have a bucket within us that needs to be filled with positive experiences, such as recognition or praise. When we're negative toward others, we use a dipper to remove from their buckets and diminish their positive outlook. When we treat others in a positive manner, we fill not only their buckets but ours as well.

The authors illustrate how this principle works in the areas of business and management, marriage and other personal relationships and in parenting through studies covering a 40-year span, many in association with the Gallup Poll.