A good boss can open up new growth opportunities for you while a difficult one can put your career at risk. You’re lucky if you have a good boss but you can’t just walk away from someone you don’t go well with.
Here are seven ways to deal with a difficult boss and keep growing:
1. Don’t let work get affected
Quite often, one tries to score with a difficult boss by working slower or taking leave. This approach backfires; you increase your workload and spoil relations with other team members. No matter how difficult your boss it to work with, make sure your performance is unaffected.
2. Be proactive
If you are dealing with a micro manager, stay a step ahead by anticipating your boss’s requirements. Get things done ahead of time. This way you minimize the need for reminders and make him realize you are aware of your responsibilities.
3. Understanding your boss
Before trying to fix a situation, make sure there’s one. Evaluate whether your boss’ behavior is a personality trait or he is behaving under any pressure. This can make a difference in how you approach the situation. Not every boss is the same. Understanding why your boss does certain things can give an insight into their management style and you can adapt accordingly.
4. Patience is the key
Timing is everything when you have a conflict with your boss. Instead of taking the situation head on, it is always better to wait and discuss only when things cool down.
5. Know their triggers
If your boss has anger management problems, identify what triggers reactions. Avoid those triggers like the plague! For example, if you know s/he gets angry if you are late, always reach the workplace on time. Being mindful of small details that trigger certain behaviors will help avoid problems.
6. Be attentive and clarify things
One good way to deal with a demanding boss is to make sure you listen carefully as directions may come quickly. If you are unsure about anything, clarify by relaying back the instructions. It’s a good idea to always repeat deliverables that you are responsible for to make sure that you both are on the same page.
7. Put everything down
It is important to document interactions with your boss – requests, directions or criticisms – so you can go back to them if they contradict themselves. Create a trail of all requests and your output. If you receive a verbal direction, follow it up with an email to confirm.
5 things to do when the boss behaves horribly
• Stay positive
• Be a problem solver, not a problem maker
• Always be courteous
• Don’t take things personally.
• Don’t be a punching bag
If you still can’t find a way to work together, maybe it’s time to Find Better. Click here to search and apply for a job.
