How to Deal with a Difficult Manager

Communication and teamwork are important when dealing with a difficult manager.

In the business world, you'll come across good managers, bad managers and everything in between. It can be frustrating to find yourself working under a difficult manager. However, it's important that you maintain your professional composure and try to work with the manager as best you can. The key thing in dealing with a difficult manager is to keep the communication lines open. Try to understand where the manager is coming from and voice your concerns in a constructive manner.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Professionalism
• Documentation
• Clear understanding of the Corporate Handbook or Code of Conduct

Compromising With Your Manager

1. View things from your manager's perspective. It's possible that your manager isn't trying to be difficult, he may just be following orders himself. Think about how you would handle things if you were in his shoes. When analyzing the situation, always keep your personal emotions out of the equation and attempt to see things as they really are.

2. Look at your own behavior. Ask yourself the question, "Am I being the best employee I can be?" Frustrated employees often let their performance levels go down when things are bothering them. Make sure you continue doing the best job you can even when times are tough.

3. Keep the communication lines open. Your manager may not even realize he's doing something that bothers you. When an incident comes up, casually let him know you're having trouble with the way he's handling things. Remember to maintain professional composure at all times. Even though you may feel frustrated, always keep in mind that you're on the job and you need to remain calm and collected no matter what's happening.

4. Work with your manager on a compromise to resolve things. Even working relationships are a balance between give and take. Unless your boss is completely out of control, you cannot expect him to make all of the changes and you not meet him halfway.

5. Schedule a formal meeting with your manager if your efforts are unsuccessful. Bring up all the issues that have been bothering you, providing specific examples. Calmly explain to your manager that you've tried to see things from his perspective, you're trying to be the best employee you can be, and you tried to work out a compromise with him, all to no avail. Again, try to work out a compromise with him that you will both be happy with.

Resolving Escalating Problems

1. Create a list or log of any unprofessional or abusive interactions. Pay particular attention to incidents in which company policies were broken and times when you felt uncomfortable with your manager's actions. Note the dates and times the incidents occurred and whether there were any witnesses.

2. Schedule a meeting with your manager's superior or with a human resources manager.

3. Present your case to your manager's boss or to the human resources manager. Explain the situation at hand and go over your list of specific incidents. Be sure to explain the steps you've already taken to try to resolve this matter on your own. This is also a good time to bring up any witnesses to any of the incidents to further prove your case. Explain what you'd like to see done to remedy the situation and work together to come up with a solution. If the situation still cannot be resolved to your liking, you may need to consider taking alternative actions such as transferring to another department or even leaving the company and finding a new job.

Tips & Warnings

• If these steps are taken in a courteous, professional, and calm manner, there should be positive results.

• If there isn't, continue to document, and ask others if they have been harmed by this managers behavior as well.

• There is a likelihood it won't change, so be prepared to move within the company.

References

• Conflict911.com: How To Deal With A Difficult Boss
• Quintessential Careers; Dealing With a Bad Boss -- Strategies for Coping; Randall S. Hansen
• CNN Money; Dealing With an Abusive Boss; Gerri Willis; October 2004