Don't be the first each morning to test your TOT's emotional barometer by bursting into his office with a set of items that need attention on the spot: "These can't wait, I need approval now!" Study your boss's patterns to determine the best times to approach. Reach out to your TOT's admin for insights.
And don't go over your TOT's head to Big TOT; your TOT will have fewer mood swings -- he'll just virtually flat-line at furious.
TAMING DEMANDING BOSSES. Much like a toddler, your TOT believes she is the center of the universe. Asking nicely doesn't naturally occur to a small child. After all, crying got great results in the early days. If other loud, insistent behavior like yelling or repeating demands worked before, the demanding boss will expect it to work again.
To avoid becoming a punching bag, set expectations with an estimate of how long your new assignment will take -- and what you need to complete it. Create frequent and regular status reports so your boss will know that work is in progress.
Say things like, "I feel that I won't be able to do a great job on X if I also have to complete Y by Wednesday," instead of, "Your plan to have Y done on Wednesday won't work."
MORE TOT-TAMING TIPS. You don't have to suffer the no-exit curse in silence. Visit Taylor's free advice office at TameYourTOT.com.