How To Deal With A Difficult Boss
Everyone comes across a difficult boss at some point in their career. It happens! Of course this does not excuse any bad behaviour but dealing with a difficult boss is something that every worker has to learn to manage. Here are some tips that will help you along the way:
Understand why your boss is being difficult
It could well be that your boss may be dealing with other issues which could account for the fact that they seem cross with you. It could be personal or something work related but before you judge your boss try to understand why he/she is acting as they are.
Figure out your boss’s goals and priorities
As a manager your boss will be responsible for a large chunk of the Company’s success. So you need to be focused on achieving set objectives and soon you will find your boss may well change his/her attitude to you, your attributes and your work.
Identify your boss’s pressure triggers
One thing your might want to do is to identify the various triggers that are most likely to set your boss off on an angry rant. Chances are he/she has an anger management issue so you might want to find out what sets him/her off. Is it an untidy desk, typos in the work you’ve produced or you not achieving deadlines.
What’s your boss’s work style
No one is asking you to imitate your boss but it would not exactly be a bad thing. Study your boss’s work style and how they operate in the office. For example you may want to see how they multi-task when working and adopt some of those measures as your own.
Ask your boss for feedback
Feedback is an important process in any job, usually you get it from your boss in the form of a performance review. But it is a good idea to gauge what your boss thinks of you. Since you don’t have a crystal ball, asking your boss what he thinks of you and how you’re getting on is a really good idea.
Try to always be one step ahead of your boss
Yes, this is easier said than done but if you have a boss who loves to micromanage try to foresee what he/she is expecting and stay ahead of the curve. In simple terms, make sure that you complete all work you have been assigned ahead of time so he/she does not have anything to moan about.
Be prepared to take the lead on occasion
Assuming you have an incompetent boss and a difficult one at that he may not always be able to handle challenges. In such a situation you may need to take on the leadership role, but only do it if you know the work and are confident in what you are doing. Remember though do not undermine your boss, just gently get things done.
Don’t let your boss affect your performance
There is dealing with a difficult boss and there is dealing with a boss who is barmy, but irrespectively of how your boss acts in the office or with you in particular you should not let it weaken your own performance. It’s important that your work speaks for itself and you are proud of what you produce.
Do not hold grudges
No matter what happens in the office, no matter how miserable and difficult your boss is. Unless you want to leave the job do not take it personally and do not hold grudges. Don’t focus too much on the negative aspects as they don’t contribute anything meaningful to your life or to your career for that matter.
Do your research next time around
Before you end up with another difficult boss in your next job, you should research any Company you are considering working for. Check the organisation out online, see what employees or ex-employees say about them so you have a good idea of what is going on. In your interview ask pointed questions about their work ethic. Bottom line you need to do your research so you make sure that you are not stuck with yet another difficult boss.
So the conclusion is next time you face a boss that you cannot manage properly, go through these tips and calm yourself down. Be patient and you will surely win your boss’s trust.
Good luck