How to Work with a Difficult Boss

Strangling your boss is not an option. Find better ways to deal with difficulty.

Having a difficult boss can mean a stressful work situation. You rarely can avoid your boss completely -- especially if what makes her so difficult to work with is her hovering and micromanaging -- but there are certain things you can do to help deal with the adversity. Successful working relationships require effort on the part of everyone involved, and one of the best tools you have is a positive attitude.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Courage

Instructions

1. Remember to separate the behavior from the person. Your boss may lack good management skills or could be abrasive because he's dealing with personal stress at home. Approach your situation person-to-person, and try to be positive an helpful.

2. Learn your boss' moods. Approach difficult subjects with your boss when you know she will be in a better mood, such as right after lunch or as she is refilling her coffee mug.

3. Don't waste your boss' time -- or yours. Always come to meetings prepared; write down everything you want to address so that you don't miss something important. Work to minimize your time together.

4. Do you best to excel at your job. Don't give your boss any reason to get on your case. Have your answers ready before your boss asks them.

5. Don't avoid your boss, but don't go out of your way to engage him. You are not a victim, so keep your head up and don't let him smell your fear. Bullies tend to kick others when they are down.

6. Keep your cool. Take a deep breath and count to 10. Paste a smile on your face.

7. Make a formal written complaint to your company's human resources department if you ever feel threatened by your boss or if you feel your boss is harassing you.

8. Plan your exit. If your bad boss is affecting your mood, sometimes the only option is to look for another job. In many cases, a bad boss will always be a bad boss.

Tips & Warnings

• When dealing with your boss, always keep your cool. Take a deep breath and count to ten.

• Make friends with others in the company and stay on their good sides. A few allies never hurts.

• If your boss is harassing you, make a formal written complaint to your company's HR department.

• If you ever feel threatened by your boss, do not hesitate to contact the local authorities.

References

• Management for the Rest of Us: How to Deal with a Difficult Boss: Solutions to 7 Types of Bad Management Styles