9 ways to deal with a difficult boss
We ask: is your boss a bully or just a tough cookie?
You like your job but your boss gets on your case on a regular basis. You try to do everything to the best of your ability but you manager still bothers you. You may wonder if your boss is bullying you or he or she is just doing their job.
Although it is difficult to determine if your boss is a bully, you may be victim of workplace bully. Here are some suggestions on how to deal with a tough boss:
1.Look around:
Observe how your boss interacts with other people in the office. Is your boss nice to some of your co-workers and mean to others? Watch how your boss interacts with others in the office to see if he or she is bothering anyone else.
2. Work hard:
Try to do more than what is expected from you at your current job. Get things done ahead of time and help out your co-workers. Your boss and co-workers will notice and give you more respect if they see you are working hard and putting in more time and effort than what is expected from you.
3. Reduce future conflicts:
If you see trouble coming, try to recognize and catch it earlier before it becomes an argument. Use your problem solving skills to prevent any arguments. Remember communication is the key in preventing conflicts in the workplace.
4. Focus on your manger’s interests:
When you converse with your boss, try to focus on his interests. If your boss likes golf, then ask him about his golf game or talk about your golfing stories. Talk to your boss regarding his interests and your boss might appreciate it.
5. Talk nicely to your boss:
If you can, ask your boss considerate questions on how everything is going. Ask him if you need to improve on anything. Take the initiative and ask for possible suggestions for improvement. If your boss can’t be more understanding then change departments.
6. Take things one at a time:
In dealing with your anxieties at your job, learn to take it one day at a time. While the consequences of a particular fear may seem real, there are usually other factors that cannot be anticipated and can affect the results of any situation. Get all of the facts of the situation and use them to your advantage. The more control you have over your stresses and anxieties, the better off you will be in the long run.
7. Your situation will change:
Regardless of your situation, things do not stay the same. Remember this fact: Regardless of your current situation, everything changes over time. This includes your current situation. You never know when your boss may change jobs or you might unknowingly get reassigned somewhere else. Give it some time and see how things work out.
8. Talk to others:
Get advice from your friends and family. It is important to consider other viewpoints other than your own. Ask your friends and relatives on what they think that you should do. These people know you and they can give you additional insights that you may be overlooking.
9. Get another job:
It comes without saying that there are many different jobs and places you can work so do not feel limited to just your current place of employment. People change jobs for various reasons so do what is best for you. Even in a tight job market there are all kinds of jobs that you can apply for. The important thing is that you find something that you will enjoy.
Regardless if you have a tough boss, the key is to find ways to reduce any conflicts. Don’t be quick to change jobs, however it is important to work for someone who appreciates you. Don’t let one person ruin your life and jeopardize your happiness.
