How to Handle a Frustrating Boss: 4 Tips to Help You Out

Your relationship with your boss is one of the most influential and essential relationships in your professional life.

A good boss reduces workplace stress, galvanizes higher degrees of productivity, and promotes overall job satisfaction. In addition, a good boss sets the tone for all other relationships in the workplace. Chances are, if you have a good boss, you have a good relationship with your co-workers. In addition, a positive relationship with a good boss propels you further in your career. However, a negative relationship with a challenging boss drags you down.

So, what do you do when you have a difficult boss?

Whether they’re merely incompetent or a tightly-wound tyrant, here are some tips for handling a bad boss and coming out on top.

Try to Understand Their Motives

It’s always helpful to attempt to understand where someone else is coming from. Try and see things from their side of the desk. What motivates them? How do they see their role at work? How do they measure success? Put yourself in their shoes and ask, “What would I expect from my employees to meet that standard?” Building a more in-depth perspective of your boss might help you understand what makes them tick and how you can fix the problem.

(Bonus Tip: Helping your boss, even a lousy boss, to fix a problem is a surefire way of getting on their good side.)

Perhaps they’re under pressure that you don’t see? Maybe they have struggles at home that you’re unaware of. There is always room for empathy. Showing kindness and respect to a demanding boss sets you apart!

Work Around Their Strengths and Weaknesses

Every leader has a tandem system of strengths and weaknesses. You can learn to appreciate and highlight what your boss does well, working with those strengths to get the job done and meet their expectations. And you can counterbalance their weaknesses by using your strengths and expertise to help.

Be aware that what you might perceive as a weakness is only a difference in communication or leadership style. Observe how your boss processes information, communicates, leads, and then adapts to their preferences. It will help you respond rather than react when you’re frustrated.

Try to anticipate their needs from day to today and get ahead of the game. It’s especially helpful in the case of a micromanager!

Don’t Let It Affect Your Work

It’s tempting to “check out” in the face of bad management. But this is the worst thing you can do. So instead, continue giving it your best, demonstrating your integrity and work ethic. Show respect to your boss by refusing to gossip to other employees. Remain positive. Lead by example. Always stay professional.

You never know who is watching! How you treat a demanding boss could set you apart from other employees.

Step Up…Or Step Out

The day may come for you to speak up. You might need to go higher up and speak to HR, another member of management, or the C-Suite. If appropriate, communicate directly with your boss, sharing why their behavior makes it hard for you to do your job effectively. Either way, remain respectful and professional, assuming the best about everyone involved. You never know what type of collaboration and growth your courage to speak up will inspire!

However, if things become progressively challenging and toxic, it might be time to start looking for a new job.

If so, Career Concepts has been helping candidates find the “right job” for over 50 years! We’d love to help you find yours. So contact us today, and let’s get started!