How to Deal With Difficult Bosses

Dealing with difficult co-workers can be hard, but what about when that co-worker is your boss? That just makes the situation exponentially more challenging. What should you do? Should you ignore it and continue with your responsibilities? Should you let the boss know how you feel? These are difficult questions and each situation is different but there are some techniques that you can use to still be successful.

First of all, realize that there are some people that like to annoy, berate or generally bother others. Unfortunately they enjoy doing these things and for all the wrong reasons. If you are dealing with this type of supervisor, then avoidance is option number one. You should limit your interactions with this type of individual to only business discussions. Try not to talk about your personal life and make it clear that you want to focus on the professional side of things. This will let them know that you mean business and it won't give them room to try and exploit your weaknesses. With this type of person it generally won't help to let them know how you feel because that may actually provide them with some sadistic satisfaction so do not discuss your feelings at any cost. Don't let them see any weak side of your personality.

Now if you are dealing with a boss that is acting difficult and you suspect that this person probably doesn't realize that they are behaving this way, you have more options. Be prepared to let this person know immediately if they do something that really makes you feel uncomfortable. Be direct and always frame the discussion to your work performance instead of your feelings. In other words, don't say "I don't like the way that you treat me because it makes me feel bad", but instead say "the way that you interact with me sometimes affects how I'm able to perform at my job". If you focus on the job, it will be difficult for the boss to defend their actions and they are more likely to make corrective action. If you focus on your feelings, the boss may not take what you are saying very seriously and it can have the tendency to make you seem too emotional.

Last but not least you have to make sure that whatever you do, it doesn't compromise your job security. This means that you should take whatever steps are necessary to create a comfortable environment but at the same time you don't end up putting your career at risk. You should realize that all people go through situations where they work for somebody that may not be their favorite person. You are certainly not alone.


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