Having a difficult manager is something many workers have experienced before. It is a challenging situation that can make you feel frustrated, stressed, underappreciated, and unsure about your job security. Such a manager might make uncomfortable or insensitive remarks, consistently set unrealistic expectations, refuse to listen to others’ advice, and be unfairly critical of employees’ work.
People who find themselves in such a situation often struggle to manage it to the point of having to resign from their roles. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case. In this article, we’ll be sharing the top five effective ways to deal with a difficult manager in your workplace.
1. Understand The Real Nature Of Your Manager
In life, we often make the mistake of only considering our point of view without taking into account the other person’s. This is why you must try to understand if there’s a reason behind your manager’s behaviour. They often have a considerable number of responsibilities they’re required to manage each day. They also have bosses who have expectations of them.
You should carefully observe your manager for a while to see if the difficult behaviours occur frequently or occasionally. Look out for your boss’ attitude when things are going great and when there are tough times. Know what your manager’s triggers are so you can be extra vigilant about avoiding them. After doing these, you should be able to get an idea of how best to handle the situation.
2. Maintain A Professional Attitude
When faced with a difficult manager, it’s important to remain professional and composed. Avoid reacting emotionally to their behaviour or criticism. You want to have a good reputation with other leaders in the company, so you have to keep producing your best work.
I understand some workers may be tempted to be less productive when working for a difficult boss, but this doesn’t help your situation. By maintaining such professionalism, you demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations with maturity and grace. You may need your manager someday for a recommendation, and It wouldn’t help if you were known as a lazy employee.
3. Set Clear Boundaries
You need to have the courage to set clear boundaries with your difficult manager. You’ve probably been in a position where you allowed something to happen once and ended up becoming a regular expectation. For example, if your boss asked you to work overtime or on a weekend and you quickly agreed, they may assume that you’re always available. In such a situation, you have to let them know that you won’t be able to work overtime or on weekends. This will go a long way to boosting your mental health and productivity.
Also, be assertive in stating what you need to perform your job effectively. Communicating your preferences and setting boundaries can help manage your manager’s behaviour and ensure a healthier working relationship.
4. Have A Conversation With Your Difficult Manager
Another way to deal with your difficult manager is by having an open and honest conversation with them. Effective communication is key when dealing with a difficult boss. Schedule a private meeting to express your concerns calmly and respectfully.
You should take your time and share specific examples of the issues you are facing and how they are impacting your work. Be open to hearing their perspective and try to find common ground for resolving conflicts. Avoid blaming your manager outright for the difficulties. After having a heart-to-heart conversation with your boss, your relationship should improve if he or she is a reasonable person.
If nothing changes after this conversation, seek support from your HR department or a higher-level manager. They can provide guidance and mediate the situation, helping to address the issues and find a resolution that benefits both parties.
5. Focus On What’s Best For You
If you’ve made every attempt on this list but your manager is still being difficult, then you have to make a decision with your best interests at heart. Dealing with a difficult manager can be stressful, so it’s essential to prioritise self-care. Take breaks when needed, engage in stress-relief activities outside of work, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This will help you cope better.
However, if you’ve exhausted all other options to deal with this situation, then you’ll have to take the final step of moving on. Your peace of mind is crucial, so you have to start looking at better opportunities outside the company. Every dark cloud has a silver lining, and a job with better working conditions could be yours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with a difficult manager requires patience, understanding, and proactive steps. Remember to try to understand your boss, maintain professionalism, set clear boundaries, communicate openly, seek support when needed, and do what’s best for you. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage the situation and improve your overall well-being in the workplace.