WAYS TO HANDLE A DIFFICULT BOSS

Employees may have occasional insomnia as a result of strategies for dealing with difficult. Often, people complain about their work environment. Ranging from how an organization treats its staff to colleagues, with the most common complaint being about a difficult or mean boss. Having a difficult boss could result in toxicity at work and lead to frustration if not handled appropriately. This article will lead you through the journey of identifying a difficult boss and guide you on how to properly manage them to maintain efficiency at work with your mental health intact.

A boss is a superior person who oversees a department or a team of employees in an organization. Your boss’s opinion is really important. For employees, keeping a positive working connection with their supervisor is crucial.

What are the functions of a boss?

A boss compiles an independent report on the work of his subordinates, contributing significantly to the evaluation of those individuals. Thereby apprises his subordinates.
He/she supervises and evaluates the overall performance of his subordinates.
He/she performs an administrative function in an organization.
He/she directs and manages the assigned area in an organization.

Who is a difficult boss?

Someone impatient with errors and excuses.
Someone overbearing, aggressive, disrespectful, inconsiderate, and bossy.
Someone very difficult to satisfy.
Someone who magnifies little errors and never acknowledges great achievements.
Someone who is the derision of subordinates.

When there is a toxic and unhealthy relationship between the superiors/boss and subordinates in an organization/structure. It results in the following:

A slowdown in the overall processes and procedures.
It may affect the result and output of the firm negatively.
The work environment becomes unfriendly
The customers may likely suffer from such an attitude, as a result of an unhappy personal not giving the expected excellent service.
It will affect the professionalism of the staff.
This may affect the achievement of the company’s set goals and objectives.

How to handle a tough boss?

Now that we have identified a difficult boss, it is will be easy to devise means of managing him/her. The first thing to have in mind is to realize that handling the boss properly is not only for the benefit of the boss but for your mental health and to avoid frustration at the work.

Here are the questions you should ask when a boss becomes very difficult on you. These questions mean a lot as the answers and follow-up actions will help to mend a toxic relationship that exists between a boss and subordinates. These questions are divided into two parts, personal Evaluation and evaluating the boss.

Personal (Staff) Evaluation: There are times a boss who is seen as easygoing to some subordinates may be seen as difficult to others, this could be as a result of the attitude of the latter set. A staff’s attitude to work sometimes has a way of influencing the boss’s reaction. Answering some of the questions below and finding a common ground will go a long way.
- What am I doing wrong?
- How do my behavior and actions influence the boss’s reactions?
- Do I give the right and positive attitude to the work?

Some actions staff do that influence the boss include;

Not showing up for work on time or not showing up at all. It is reasonable to occasionally experience an emergency that may cause you to arrive at work late. But refrain from doing so frequently.
Making excuses when tasks are assigned to you. Laziness is an extremely negative attitude. Stay away from frequently mentioning reasons why you won’t accept a new task that has been allocated to you. When you are unsure of a new employment role, you might conduct research and seek advice from those who have successfully performed similar roles.
Not getting along with other internal employees. Be an excellent team player, and strive to make every team you are a part of better. Supervisors appreciate team members who make positive contributions to the team effort, one who positively encourages other members. Be a good influence and refrain from having side conversations.
Actions staff do that influence the boss include
How are my facial expression and body language at work? Although body language is nonverbal, it conveys a lot about how you feel about something. Always project a positive attitude with your body language and a smiling face.
Failing to perform a task as intended. It is depressing to consistently fail in a role you have been given. Supervisors detest employees who consistently produce subpar work. Always make an effort to produce the most excellent and pleasurable results.

Boss Evaluation: Some bosses could appear difficult because of their personal life. This is to say that these bosses treat everyone (even hardworking and cheerful staff) with uttermost meanness. At this point consider:
- Is my boss having a hard time with his/her boss? A boss could be facing severe pressure from those they report to. As a result, this will influence the boss’s actions/reactions to those he/she coordinates.
- Is my boss unnecessarily mean? Again, some bosses are mean with no just cause. In this situation, a subordinate should try to carefully carry out assigned responsibilities with all diligence and care to avoid unwarranted outbursts.

Tips you can use in relating with a difficult boss.

Be respectful, all superiors like respect. As much as you want a boss to be friendly to you, never lose your guard. Always remember he or she is your boss no matter what.
Give him or her undivided attention and loyalty.
Don’t over-emphasize your points after making them clear enough. Give your boss a good reason why you want something different from how he/she wants it, then leave the final decision to the boss.

APPROACHES TO A DIFFICULT BOSS

4. Don’t criticize your boss before other employees, if there is ever a difficult scenario at work, try to find the perfect time to bring it up when the supervisor is at their most open and receptive.

5. Determine the precise nature of the problematic attitude, and sincerely seek understanding and a solution.

6. Never be jealous or show that you’re in rivalry with your boss, instead, always appreciate and acknowledge their superiority.

7. Discuss present conflicts and avoid flashbacks of old and perhaps settled lapses.

Merits of keeping a good relationship with your boss

It makes the work all-embracing and will ensure that all evaluation criteria are met or exceeded.
It makes you feel good about yourself and the work you do. Otherwise, make one confident.
Your boss might serve as a confidant to whom you can turn for support in times of need, both at work and in your personal life.
If you have a good working relationship with your supervisor, he or she may encourage you in your professional and personal endeavors.
A healthy relationship with superiors earns their trust and confidence. Bosses get more difficult when they don’t trust you.

Also Read, https://fabjobsetters.com/effective-queue-management/

Summary:

A subordinate today will be a supervisor tomorrow.

Therefore, treat others the way you want to be treated, if the table turns around.

Unmanaged relationships between some subordinates and their supervisors may lead to difficulties with inquiries, sanctions, departmental switches, or even firing.

Intentionally making things difficult for your boss is not the best approach to relating with a demanding boss. Remember, a happy mind leaves a happy body.

Above all, treat your boss as if he or she is the customer whom they say “is always right”.

EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP