Whether you like it or not, it's a fact that you can't choose your boss under most circumstances. You've got to adjust with the boss you have. If you have a difficult boss and need tips on how to deal with a difficult boss, then worry not. Here are some tried and tested tips we have curated just for you.
1.
Know Their Motivations
If you have a
difficult boss, the first thing you need to do is understand their motivations.
It will help you realize whether your boss is a negative person in general or
dealing with a high-pressured job and the stress is getting to them. Knowing
their motivations will help you understand their perspective and maybe
understand how to deal with the situation.
2.
Access Your Own Behavior
It is possible
that your boss is not a difficult person, but you are. You should explore that
possibility and correct your behavior if you realize it's your fault.
3.
Be Careful with Your
Words
When dealing
with a difficult person, use your words carefully so that you don't end up
sounding rude or disrespectful. Train your mind to say a positive word, always
and avoid saying anything that can be perceived as negative.
4.
Empathize with Them
It is also
recommended that you keep yourself in your boss' shoes to understand what they
might be going through. It will help you understand and cope with the
challenges your boss is throwing at you.
5.
Guess the Expectations
Try to make
things easy for yourself and your boss by anticipating what they are expecting
and meeting those expectations as soon as possible.
6.
Take More Initiative
Strengthen your
leadership skills by taking more initiatives and making decisions to help
reduce your boss's workload. Just make sure you have your boss' approval.
7.
Follow their Lead
When
communicating with your boss, please select the method they prefer. Some bosses
prefer emails, while others prefer personal calls. Do what they like.
8.
Try to Be Positive
Try to be
positive in all situations and ensure that you don't let the negativity oozing
off from a difficult boss impact your work or its quality. Always do your best
and have a positive mindset.
9.
Set Boundaries
If you have a
difficult boss, they might push you to work more than you have to or stick in
the office even after hours are up. The only way to deal with such a situation
is to be straightforward about it and set the boundaries. Tell your boss that
you can't do the tasks out of your job scope. Don't let the job impact your
work-life balance.
10.
Communicate Everything
It is also a
smart idea to keep your boss in the loop about everything you do. Don't just
assume that they know what you are doing. Keeping them updated on everything
will make them think that you care, and they might be less difficult.
Avoid Future Difficult
Bosses
In addition to
learning how to deal with a difficult boss, you also need to learn how to avoid
a difficult boss in the future roles or jobs you take on. The simplest way to
do that is to have a meeting with your future boss and then decide whether they
will be a good boss or a difficult one. Use your judgment, and you will avoid
future difficult bosses for good.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-deal-with-a-difficult-boss
https://www.themuse.com/advice/10-brilliant-tips-for-dealing-with-a-difficult-boss