How to Minimize Conflict with a Difficult Boss

Good bosses are all alike; every bad boss is bad in their own way. Here are a few steps to minimizing conflict and maintaining peace.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Attempt to reconcile. It is worthwhile to call a truce with your boss. Chances are you are aware of what started the friction between you and you may be able to clear the air. Schedule a meeting with just the two of you, or if necessary include someone from the HR department. Begin by stating, “This is an attempt at reconciliation, not a confrontation.” Before you do this be well prepared so you don’t get flustered and you can keep control of the meeting. Also, if you attend other meetings with your boss sit on the same side of the table that they do because psychologically this sends the message that you are “on their side.”

2. 
    

   Never gossip about your boss. When you feel under attack by your boss it’s tempting to form alliances. Gossip only increases the tension and it makes you part of the problem. Resist the temptation to involve others in your struggle.

3. 
    

   Involve your human resource department. Ideally your HR team is impartial and obligated to keep your conversations confidential. This is where you should go when you need to discuss your difficult boss and how their actions are affecting you. Not only can they coach you on how to deal with your difficult boss, they may be able to intervene and help your boss become a better manager.

4. 
    

   Minimize contact with your boss. Whenever possible use email instead of the phone or meeting face to face. Consolidate meetings that involve the same key individuals.

5. 
    

   Document everything. This is especially important if your boss is prone to taking credit for your work or refusing to acknowledge your contributions to the department. Copy others on your email correspondence whenever possible. Keep a daily list of tasks you are working on and provide a weekly written update to your boss. When assigned larger projects ask your boss to put the project scope in writing so later they can’t say you didn’t fulfill their expectations.

6. 
    

   Move to another department. When quitting isn’t an option you can always attempt to move to a different area. If you’re working in Accounts Payable and have always wanted to cross-train in Payroll, now might be the right time. Before you do, make you sure you’re not jumping from the frying pan into the fire; know what kind of boss you’ll be getting.