5 Ways to Deal With a Difficult Boss


One of the biggest reasons people complain about their job is a poor relationship with a manager. Being on good terms with a manager is vital to career happiness and success. Working alongside contrasting personalities is part of office life, but life at work shouldn't be dismal. Here's our 5 step guide for dealing with difficult bosses:


1. Be super brilliant


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It may sound obvious, but staying one step ahead of expectancies is a great way of avoiding boss conflict. Watch out for future problems and try resolve them before they become a bigger issue. Go above and beyond and there will be little choice other than to love everything you do.


2. Communicate


Having a conversation with the boss may resolve the issue quickly. If it feels suitable, inform your boss of what you need in terms of direction and support. Raise your concerns if you feel it won't begin an awkward dispute.


If your manager is too hands off, he/she may not realise their lack of feedback or direction is negatively impacting employees. Your boss may think they are giving you the flexibility to make your own decisions.


You do not have to be best friends, but a healthy dose of humour can help improve your relationship with your boss and lessen the serious tone surrounding your relationship.


3. Identify your boss's needs


Speak to the manager in question about their goals and help to achieve them. Listen carefully and provide the assistance needed. It could be that if you identify your boss's requirements that you realise that, considering the circumstances, your boss's attitude is reasonable, or that you're being too hard on them.


It's important to consider the difference between a bad relationship and a bad boss. A bad relationship is an inability to communicate or work together to achieve mutually-beneficial goals. A bad boss is one who is intentionally mean or unethical and is not receptive to dealing with you in an honest and open way. It is vital to identify if your boss is in-fact a truly bad leader, or if you're maybe being unreasonable.


4. Create a plan of action


Keep a record of all of your interactions is essential. If you have any horrible interactions with your boss, document it. Having any proof of interactions is vital in either confirming your situation, setting the record straight, and if necessary make your boss understand their actions.


If difficulty with the boss doesn't change, ask for a transfer to another department. If that option isn't available, the only other option is to conduct a new job search. You can just not come back after lunch if the situation is dire.


5. Be professional


Do not badmouth your boss to coworkers. This will only increase negativity at work, and it may get back to your difficult boss.


Seek the advice of a trustworthy manager or peer. Ask yourself if there's anything you can do to improve your own behaviour, and if that could be leading to some of the problems you're having with your boss.


Do you have experience dealing with difficult bosses? How do you deal with difficult office relationships? Let us know on Twitter @EmolumentTM.

 

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