I think the number one thing when dealing with someone who is either out of sorts or behaving in a tyrannical way is to find out what is pushing that person’s buttons. Ask the rest of the staff if they know of anythingthat may have riled him/her up. It does not hurt to acknowledge to the boss that you notice his/her concern. I would say, don’t ask IF you can help, ask HOW you can help. The first way gives the person the option of saying NO. You don’t want that. You want him/her to be maneuvered into giving the situation some thought.

Always be kind. Really try to put yourself in the boss’s shoes.

If its really bad and happens too often, start polishing up your resume. No job is worth being subjected to constant abuse.

Let your boss know that you are happy to help if they need you and tell them specifically what you are going to do that can help or at least relieve some pressure (ideally something you are NOT generally expected to do already) regardless of whether they need you or not. A great performing worker who doesn’t need attention all the time and helps without having to be asked is often the best thing for a boss.