Seven ways that help you deal with a difficult boss
By Ali Amiri
Staff writer
Dealing with a difficult boss is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can experience in their professional life. Having experienced this firsthand, I actually know how it feels to be frustrated, anxious, and demotivated. But through research and asking for advice, I have found that managing a difficult boss in not impossible. With time, I’ve learned some effective ways to handle the situation while maintaining my sanity. Now, in the hope that you, too, can find helpful advice or minimal solace, I’ll share my experience and insights on how to deal with a difficult boss and, eventually, how to thrive in your career.
Communicate effectively
Communication is the key when dealing with anyone, especially a boss who’s making your life more difficult than is necessary. Be clear and concise in your communication with them, avoid any sort of misunderstandings, and be open to honest feedback. If you do this, I’ll guarantee that you will understand your boss’s expectations. In addition, you can also communicate your own needs and concerns.
Set boundaries
Many of us tend to forget the importance of boundaries in our personal and social lives. Setting boundaries is, indeed, particularly crucial when dealing with any kind of boss, let alone a difficult one. Try to be clear about what you can and cannot do, and ensure that your boss understands your limitations. This will, in the long run, help you avoid being overloaded with work. In addition, this prevents you being asked to do things that are beyond your capacity and obligations.
Stay calm
One thing to never forget in dealing with someone who’s not your ally and tends to antagonize you is to remain calm and composed. Avoid reacting emotionally at all times, and instead take a step back to assess the situation. In this way, you will buy yourself some time to think clearly and find solutions to the problem.
Focus on solutions
Also, instead of dwelling on the problem, focus on finding solutions. This will signal your readiness to strike a deal with your boss. Brainstorm ideas and come up with a plan of action to address the issue at hand. Do this and see its magical results. Finding solutions puts you in control of the situation, and helps you find a way forward in difficult situations.
Build relationships
Building relationships is very much like planting fruit trees. You’ll reap the benefits with a little bit of patience. So, try to build good relationships with your boss and colleagues, and see how this can help alleviate tension and make it easier to deal with a tough work environment. Be friendly, approachable, and supportive of others. Remember that creating a positive work environment and reducing stress levels thereabout is key to a healthy career.
Seek support
I have found that in stressful times there is nothing better than real support from family and friends. Therefore, it’s very important to seek support when dealing with a difficult boss. Talk to anybody whom you could see as a mentor, seek advice from colleagues, or even speak to HR – actually, if the time comes, don’t hesitate to. Real support helps you find an objective perspective on the situation and find ways to manage it effectively. In short, it gets you through tough times.
Take care of yourself
Lastly, and I cannot stress this enough: take care of yourself. Be sure to prioritize self-care, set aside time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Also, ensure that you are not overworking yourself – consider this a no-no. By taking care of yourself, you maintain your physical and mental health, which is essential for managing stress and staying productive at work.
Perhaps now you, too, can see that dealing with a difficult boss, albeit challenging, is not impossible. By communicating effectively, setting boundaries, staying calm, focusing on solutions, building relationships, seeking support, and taking care of yourself, you can manage the situation effectively and maintain your sanity in the process.
And never forget: you work to live, not the other way around.