Don't bite my head off you insensative prick!

My boss is known for being moody and irritable. He deals with "little man syndrome" with his height. He's an over achiever and never loses in anything. He's always right, even when he's wrong. Has a HUGE ego and is extremely arrogant. He's a classic "bully boss".

He doesn't realize when he backs off his employees, we work quite harmoniously.

I have the daunting task of being his personal assistant. I've realized that the least amount of contact/interaction I have with my boss in any given day, the better. I'm never sure what mood he's in....it changes moment to moment from one side of the emotional spectrum to another. He'll be laughing one moment, then his eyes will flash in anger and he'll be absolutely pissed suddenly without warning, then back to laughing.

I am his phone filter too.......so whenever anyone calls, I filter/screen his calls. Sometimes if the messages are not time-sensitive, I will hold off in giving him his messages in an attempt to procrastinate the onslaught of angry bitter comments he will make upon my entry to his office.

I know my job is to give him ALL his voice mails when I receive them, but to be honest, I'm scared. When I give him his messages, he ends up yelling at ME, because I'm right in front of him at the moment (even tho he's really mad at the person who called to leave him a message).

So basically I will only talk to my boss when I have to because he bites my head off nearly every time I approach him to relay his messages.

I hate it!

I usually say, "I'm just the messenger here" or I just ignore his antics and scoot out of his office as quickly as possible.

What can I do? Does anyone have any advice? Mind you, no retort or comment I have ever made sways my boss's anger. He's so dang hard to work for. He's never pleased and when he IS pleased, its for a brief moment... The other day he wanted me to come up with some type of disciplinary plan of action for when I make mistakes/mess up. What a psycho.

He's extremely willing to punish his employees for human error but reluctant to offer rewards for work well done. Even verbal positive reinforcement would work. I don't need huge bonuses or paid days off. A simple, "you're doing great!" would be totally fine with me.

In fact, why cant he compliment my work ethics AND withhold his negative comments? That would be my work place heaven.

His negative comments, his mood swings, his bullying attitude are counter-productive. I should not have to suffer just because my boss refuses to find a therapist and a solid regimen of medications.

I don't get paid enough to be my boss's punching bag.