In a perfect world, we would all be fortunate enough to have exceptional managers—leaders who empower us to thrive, who genuinely appreciate our contributions, and who are simply outstanding individuals.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the reality. Whether you’re
dealing with a micromanager, someone with anger management issues, a favoritism
display, a workplace bully, or simply someone lacking competence, you’re still
tasked with making the most out of the situation and fulfilling your job
responsibilities.
To offer some assistance, we’ve compiled the top advice from
various sources on how to handle a challenging boss. Give one or more of these
suggestions a try to establish a better working relationship with your
supervisor—or, at the very least, maintain your sanity until you secure a new
opportunity.
Make sure you are dealing with a difficult boss: Before attempting to address issues
with your supervisor, it’s essential to confirm whether you’re genuinely
dealing with a problematic boss. Is there a specific reason behind their
behavior, or could you be evaluating them too harshly?
Take some time to observe your boss over a few days and
assess the balance between their positive and negative actions. When you notice
a lapse, try to consider the most forgiving explanation for it. Is it genuinely
their responsibility, or could it be influenced by factors beyond their
control?
Identify the motivation of your boss: Gaining an understanding of why your
boss prioritizes certain matters can offer valuable insights into their
approach to management. For instance, if the rules seem overly strict, endeavor
to discern your boss’s underlying motivation. It may not be solely about the
length of your lunch break; perhaps they’re more concerned with the perception
it creates among other team members and their higher-ups.
Don’t let your work be affected: Regardless of your boss’s behavior,
it’s crucial to prevent it from impacting your work. Maintaining positive
relationships with other leaders in the company is important for your
professional standing.
Stay a step ahead: When dealing with a micromanager, proactively address your
boss’s requests by anticipating them and completing tasks before they approach
you. A proactive approach to curbing micromanagement is to predict the tasks
your manager anticipates and complete them well in advance. If you consistently
respond with statements like, ‘I’ve already left a draft of the schedule on
your desk for your review,’ you’ll reduce the necessity for his / her
reminders. This will convey that you have a handle on your responsibilities,
and he / she won’t feel the need to closely monitor your every move.
Set Boundaries: Collaborating with someone who appears to disregard boundaries necessitates taking the initiative to establish them. Dealing with disagreeable individuals often involves confronting equally disagreeable behavior—and it’s crucial to understand how to separate yourself from that conduct. As Robert Frost aptly put it, ‘Good fences make good neighbors.’
Don’t Assume that the Bosses Know Everything: Simply holding a managerial title doesn’t guarantee possessing all the correct answers at all times. It became clear to me that occupying a position of authority doesn’t imply having comprehensive knowledge. From then on, I no longer equated the title ‘manager’ with ‘all-knowing. You need to follow the same mind set.
Act as a Leader: When faced with a difficult boss, there are times when it’s
prudent to take initiative in making leadership decisions. If you possess a
strong understanding of your domain, there’s no reason not to forge ahead with
a direction you believe will yield positive outcomes for your company. Those
who do this tend to naturally garner followers, emerging as informal leaders
among their peers. While it may not be your immediate superior, the management
will likely take note of your proactive approach. Of course, it’s essential to
avoid actions that undermine your boss, so be sure to keep them informed and
involved.
Identify what Triggers your Boss: If your boss struggles with anger management, it’s important
to pinpoint the specific triggers that lead to their outbursts and take
proactive measures to avoid them. For instance, if your editor becomes upset
when a source’s name is misspelled, make it a habit to meticulously double and
triple-check your notes. And if your boss becomes highly agitated if you arrive
even a minute after 8 AM, aim to be there at 7:45—without fail, every single
day.