One of the most difficult challenges you will have at your place of work is a difficult or bad. It can be frustrating, and at a point you might consider quitting. You might be in that point now. But before you decide to take the last step of quitting your job, we have outlined some possible solutions that might help you in dealing with a difficult boss.
Be sure you are actually dealing with a difficult boss
Before looking for ways to work with your difficult boss, make sure he or she is actually difficult, not based on what you hear. Take time to observe your boss for a few days and try to notice how many things he or she does well versus poorly. When she is doing something “bad,” try to imagine the most forgiving reason why it could have occurred. Is it truly her fault, or could it be something out of her control?
Establish trust from your boss
When there is more trust, there is a stronger relationship. Research supports that trust is built through acts of reciprocity. Being trusted, or feeling that requests are fulfilled without threats, activates the brain’s reward region. Try to be genuine and authentic, trust that your boss will attempt to do the right thing, and if trust is damaged, look for ways to repair it.
Show self-control
By actively managing our feelings, we can achieve a calm and powerful presence, which helps create successful outcomes. Don’t be too quick to reply, think before you speak. If your manager is upset, use active listening to help them calm down, Also, manage your thoughts and emotions. Don’t get angry or raise your voice.
Build Empathy
To do this, get to know your boss by asking open-ended questions and make sure you understand why your boss thinks the way they do. Be kind, genuine, and caring. Value your boss’ opinions, needs, ideas, and feelings. Pay attention to what your leader is feeling as well as what they are saying. Notice when your boss is having trouble and take the time to understand the situation before making any suggestions.
Take responsibility when necessary
While it may be easy to blame your boss for their negative behavior, it is important to assess your role in the relationship and take responsibility for any contribution to the challenging nature of the relationship when necessary. Work to address your own behavior that contributes to the negativity of the relationship if any. Not taking responsibility will worsen the situation and prevent you from improving your relationship with your boss.
Choose your words carefully
It is important to remain tactful and choose your words thoughtfully when interacting with a difficult supervisor. Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, being disrespectful or being perceived as disrespectful will likely only increase the tension between you and your manager. Speak with your boss in a professional and effective manner by ensuring that you stay result-oriented in your conversations. This means that rather than focusing on their personality or the problems in your relationship, you are focusing on talking about work or other topics that will help you achieve your goal.
Stay one step ahead and anticipate expectations
Head off your boss’ requests by anticipating them and getting things done before they come to you. Take the time to become well-acquainted with your boss’s habits, demands and expectations. In doing so, you can anticipate their requests and avoid exacerbating any tension in your relationship. More than that, if your boss sees that you don’t need to be micromanaged, they may provide you with more freedom and require you to check in with them less.
Don’t talk about your boss with coworkers
Speaking with someone about your difficult relationship with your boss can be an important part of taking care of yourself and venting some of your frustration. However, it’s important you refrain from having this type of conversation with other coworkers. Instead, try talking to a trusted friend or family member whose opinion you respect.
In conclusion, if you are moving to a new organization, do your research to make sure you are not going to meet another difficult boss. You can make enquiries about the boss from anyone you know in the company. Investing a few hours up front could spare you a few years of frustration.
My name is Chigozie Japhet. I am a content writer, and a brand strategist. I like writing, reading, researching and watching football, especially my team, Man United. i believe in working hard, and also in relaxation as all work without play, makes Chigozie a dull boy.
