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How do I handle a difficult boss?

9 Answers
Last Updated: 05/18/2021 at 10:55pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Greece
Moderated by

Johanna Liasides, MSc, PhDc

Psychologist

I work with youth and young adults to help them improve depressive symptoms and self-esteem as well as effectively address family, relationship and peer conflicts.

Top Rated Answers
ReyneeseLovingSnow
April 14th, 2015 4:43pm
learn to listen and understand them. Most of them actually have problem to convey their intention or message clearly. By learning how to adapt to their working style, that may help. Sometimes, due to the nature of human character where it can be difficult consider relocate to a different department or search for a new job can be an option too.
Anonymous
April 22nd, 2015 2:01am
I've always just been myself, and been kind. Every difficult boss that I've had, I was always extremely kind and dealt with my frustration outside of work. I also make sure to ask for a reference letter when I leave, it shows that you value their opinion.
Anonymous
July 20th, 2015 2:23am
Having a difficult boss is definitely a challenge! In my opinion, it's best to remain on the best possible terms with them. Don't pick fights and don't deliberately upset them. Don't let them take advantage of or knock you down, but try to remain low key.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2015 8:39pm
You try your best to please him, but do not job through hoops. You'll only exhaust yourself, try to understand your boss and that they have difficulties and issues like everyone else. If your boss is treating you poorly, along with others you should consider reporting them.
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Work Stress
January 26th, 2016 2:25am
Its okay to deal with a difficult boss if he listens and wants you to grow even though he is difficult. But if your boss is difficult and does not listen and neither wants a growth that can be harmful to you in your carrier path. Always make sure that you will always want to work for a boss that wants you to grow and be better in your carrier path.
Anonymous
June 28th, 2016 12:37pm
knock his door, sit & having a talk , to show him that you also need to be heard. overcome it, instead of grumbling and talking behind your boss, sometimes we jump into an assumption that can lead us to wrong directions.
InspirationalWatermelon52
August 8th, 2016 2:47pm
Request to have a chat and calmly talk to them about how you feel about some of their behaviours towards you. Always give constructive feedback and produce alternative solutions, so you don't just tell them what bothers you for the sake of it. Also try and keep everything work focused, for example, if they are stressing you out, point out that it is more difficult for you to concentrate on your work at hand. Good luck!
Kate
August 7th, 2017 11:18pm
I definitely can relate. Try setting up weekly check-ins with your boss so you show them that you're willing to work on the relationship and set some expectations. Be clear about what you need and don't be afraid to ask what you are doing well and what you can do better at. That may help your connection with your boss. If your boss is really awful and is not doing their job or treating employees with respect, you may need to escalate the situation to the boss above them or your HR department.
insightfulLeo
May 18th, 2021 10:55pm
Reflect on what you want out of a workplace. Consider the options before you. If you feel comfortable, perhaps you could arrange for a meeting with your boss to express what you are struggling with. You deserve to have your boundaries respected. If your workplace has an HR department, you might be able to reach out to them to get resources. Honestly, though, at the end of the day you know your situation best. Is there something you feel you should or could do that would alleviate some of the stress from the situation with your boss? What would you do if a coworker came to you with the same concerns?