5 Ways To Deal With a Difficult Boss!

By Nhlakanipho Vezi

“If you want plenty of experience in dealing with difficult people, then have kids.” – Bo Bennett 

Who’s the Boss? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Unemployment is a tremendous problem, not just in our country but it has found its way around the globe.Getting a job is exhilarating news and everyone should be able to keep up with the pressure imposed by the cooperate world, as hard as unemployment is, it is even harder to wake up every morning and face a stressful job, what makes it heart wrenching is the fact that one spends more hours at work than home, subsequently everyone should strive to maintain peace at work.

There are various factors contributing to stress at work e.g. unbearable employers, impossible deadlines, sabotaging coworkers, inadequate income etc.

Finding solution to these problems is not a walk in a park nonetheless it is of paramount importance to deal with them (if one finds himself in that situation).

When dealing with an impossible employer quitting your job could be superficially an easy way out (but not a very ideal solution considering the current employment landscape).

When your boss ‘deals’ with you it could make your life dreadful, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and otherwise, but how would you” deal” with him? By hiring a hit man, burning his house, bursting his wheels?

The answer is none of the above on the contrary you should constantly be diplomatic (avoid fighting fire with fire).

Do not give him any excuse to be spiteful meet your deadlines (submit before the due date) be at your best professional stature at all times.

Be prepared to accept criticism when confronting your boss with any concern, because he might turn the blame card on you, tell him you appreciate his feedback and politely resume your concerns.

Be calm and maintain professionalism no matter how fuming you really are, never discus him behind his back to your colleagues, do not avoid him (that might prompt him to be more spiteful). Swerve from visiting his office every now and then, unless you have a sound reason, complain if you have to but never complain.

Carefully consider your comments during meetings (remember he might use anything against you), this does not mean that you shouldn’t comment but make sure your points are always apt and never rhetoric and offensive in any way.

Avoid hostility, rather be friendly, but avoid being a “suck up” (keep your reputation intact). Pursuit the root of your indifference and if there is anything wrong on your side swiftly correct it.

Record all the series of unfair events (as backup in case of unfair dismissal).

Remember that no matter how difficult your boss is he is still your boss, you will not have resolution to all your differences, consequently you ought to tolerate him or turn a blind eye in some instances.

Your boss is one of many that you interact with on a daily basis. Learn how to effectively deal with difficult people on all levels, TopCV recommends Difficult People: Dealing With Difficult People At Work