When interviewing with a prospective new boss, ask him or her for the names of people who have left their department or company in the last few months. The boss's handling of this request will tell a lot. Present to the existing bad boss a proposal of work you want to do to help the company reach its goals and the tools you'll need to accomplish the work. Again, the boss's response will tell you what your future will be like working for that person. Ask the existing bad boss for a weekly or monthly progress meeting to discuss activities, concerns, and the like.
Most bad bosses avoid confrontation.
If they don't agree to this request, the future isn't bright. Understand that most bad bosses won't change anytime soon. If you like your current company, one solution Miller suggests is to find a different position with a new manager that you could transfer to. Focus on employee retention. Employees hate it when they see talented colleagues leave.