Do you get along with your supervisor?
It can be very challenging when you have trouble working with your manager.
Fortunately, there are ways you can handle a difficult work situation without having to quit your job.
Signs That You Have a Difficult Boss
- They don’t care if you are overworked
- They lose control on a regular basis
- Your manager takes credit for your work
- Your boss doesn’t empower you
- Your boss doesn’t advocate for you
- You have a micromanager
- They choose favorites in the office
- Your manager does not like you
- They ignore workplace conflicts
How To Deal with a Difficult Supervisor
It’s possible to stay in the workplace and learn how to work through the challenging situation. The following are tips you might consider when dealing with a demanding boss:
1. Understand their perspective: Take the time to see your boss’s perspective. Consider their background, upbringing, career trajectory, and personal experiences that may shape their approach to leadership. Understanding the context in which your boss operates can provide valuable insight into their motivations and decision-making processes.
2. Don’t take it personally: It’s tough to deal with a difficult boss, however, don’t take it personally. It’s work, and while the situation can be tough, it can be harder if it creates negative emotions. Be aware of how the behavior affects you emotionally and manage your emotions to reduce stress.
3. Communicate effectively: Effective communication means that you and your boss understand one another. Be clear about your expectations and be willing to compromise when appropriate to maintain a good working relationship. Know your manager’s communication styles, which can help you to improve relations with your supervisor.
4. Document everything: If you’re feeling like the relationship with your boss is going downhill, document what you’re doing and why you’re making certain decisions. This works particularly well with bosses who change their minds constantly. Send a recap email after talking with your boss about a project or when you take action after making a big decision.
5. Choose your words carefully: While expressing honesty and being open in the workplace is essential, it’s important to remain tactful and choose your words thoughtfully when interacting with a difficult supervisor. Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time or being perceived as disrespectful may increase the tension between you and your manager.
One way to speak to your boss in a professional manner is to stay results-oriented in your conversations. This means that rather than focusing on their personality or the problems in your relationship, you are focusing on what is best for the company.
6. Show that you care: Don’t let your manager’s behavior affect your work. Avoid trying to get back at your boss by slacking off. Don’t produce low-quality work out of spite or frustration. Your boss may notice, and it may hurt your reputation as a hard worker.
7. Go the extra mile: Think of things you can do to help your supervisor. Take the time to determine if there’s anything you can do to help them save the company time or money. A few extra hours of work during the week could impress your manager and improve relations. Your supervisor may start to treat you better when he or she sees your efforts.
8. Focus on your supervisor’s interests: Show interest in what your manager likes to do. Make the effort to ask your manager how their weekend was, what their interests are, and how they like to spend their time. This allows you to build a personal relationship with them and connect to a level that doesn’t involve work.
9. Take responsibility where appropriate: You cannot change someone else’s behavior, but you can control your own. Once you assess the situation, you may see things you can change to improve the situation. If you’re not meeting your boss’s expectations or standards, there may be an opportunity to improve or adjust.
10. Reduce any potential problems: It is important to reduce any potential issues that might occur between you and your manager. Make sure you meet your deadlines and talk to your manager if you have any questions about your performance. Doing these things will help prevent future conflicts.
11. Don’t rush to conclusions: Do not be quick to make judgements about your boss. Your manager could be having health problems or something else that is bothering them. Give it a month or two to see what happens before you do anything.
When You Have to Change Jobs
1. Seek some advice: You can talk to a career counselor for advice on what you can do. He or she can give you different ways to handle the situation. Do not be quick to make any decisions that could cause problems for you down the road.
2. Consider transfering: If the problem does not get better, ask for a transfer. People change departments all of the time for various reasons. To request a transfer, research your company’s internal transfer policy and application process. Prepare a professional and positive request, highlighting your skills and value to the new department.
3. Prepare for a job search: Some people may not have the option to transfer to another department. In these cases, beef up your résumé, contact headhunters, line up references, and start interviewing. You will want to conduct your job search in private, and do not to tell your coworkers what your plans are.
4. Explain yourself in interviews: Focus on your career goals by emphasizing your desire for a more positive and fulfilling work environment. Be professional and avoid bad-mouthing your boss or company. Highlight your skills and experience by focusing on what you can offer to the new employer. Make sure you follow up on your interviews.
5. Leave professionally: Give proper notices by adhering to your company’s policy for resignation. Inform your boss and HR about your decision to leave in a professional and respectful manner. Avoid burning any bridges by maintaining a positive and professional attitude throughout your departure, even if you’re unhappy with your boss.
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