How to Deal With a Boss You Can't Stand

Irritating bosses can make the working day much more difficult.

Dealing with a difficult boss can be emotionally and physically draining, especially when it interferes with your ability to perform your job. Although your manager may irritate you in unique ways, strategies have emerged for dealing with the most common problems caused by frustrating bosses. These strategies enable you to diminish potential conflict with your boss and to decrease the likelihood of situations where additional interaction is required.

Instructions

1. Make a list of the most common subjects your boss questions you about. Frequently record all relevant information related to these subjects, and send your boss detailed messages to keep him updated. This will reduce tendencies for him to micromanage you, as he should already have all the information he normally requires; this also enables you to appear organized and professional.

2. Document directives which your boss has made; this includes past memos and emails. This enables you to conclusively demonstrate what your boss asked you to do, in the event that you're criticized for failing to carry out an assignment. You can also use this information as evidence that your boss is giving you conflicting instructions, if relevant.

3. Stay informed about the potential fiscal impact of different managerial decisions. It's rare that a boss won't listen attentively if a problem is put into a financial context; this will encourage him to act faster in making a particular choice.

4. Allow your boss to have the last word in conversations. This can reduce future conflict, as it allows your boss to save face and not feel as if his authority is being challenged or undermined. This is especially true in situations where your boss has just been shown to be wrong about something.

5. Stay calm and controlled when speaking to your boss. If you feel your boss isn't listening to you, practice speaking much less than you normally would; sparse communication can make your words carry more weight and influence.

References

• Columbia Business School: Dealing with a Difficult Boss
• Purdue University: Information, Facts Key to Dealing with an Unreasonable Boss