Top 7 Tips in Dealing with a Difficult Boss

Having a difficult subordinate is bad enough, but at least your job is not at stake. But if you have a difficult boss, that’s a hell!! You can yell at him, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble.

Golden rule number one: remember your boss is also a human. Don’t think of him/her as god or giant. He/she is just another human being. Sometimes in fear, we begin to visualize them bigger than they are.

First, STOP yourself from shrinking to become as small as mice whenever you face your boss. Build your confidence, remember he/she is also human, and this is just business/work, nothing personal!!

Rule number two: not matter what happen, don’t retaliate. Don’t respond when you are angry.

Here are several tips and tricks in dealing with a difficult boss.

1. Communication skill: Rephrase / do a summary of your boss’s instructions and requests

Rephrasing the instructions has several benefits.

• Confirmation of the details of the request. Don’t parrot your boss’s words. But confirm your understanding of the discussion and requests.
• Prove that you have been listening carefully.
• When you rephrase his/her instructions, you are organizing your thought in your own way and get acknowledgement from him/her that your understanding of the subject matter and request are clear.
• Broken communication starts when 2 parties doesn’t get alignment or agreement of the subject matter.
• IMPORTANT: when dealing with difficult boss – don’t try to be smart and assume you understand the request. Get confirmation even for the smallest details or instructions.
• Put it in minutes and documented it, send it to all the parties involved in the meeting as acknowledgment of the agreed course of actions. This might save you when you are in trouble.

2. Commit to deliver the requested deliverables

• Commit to deliver at the agreed datelines. Don’t give excuses! Get your boss’s trust with your competency.

  Wrong: "I think I can come out with the results of the marketing campaign, but it will take some time."
  Right: "Based on today meeting, we are discussing the outcome of the marketing campaign. I’ll have the summary of the outcome of the marketing campaign on Monday morning"

• Follow through. By following through, you'll prove to your boss that you're dependable and trustworthy.
• Don't waste the boss's time. Get to the point quickly when you bring your boss up-to-speed on developments. Keep it short and sweet, and tell the boss exactly what he or she wants or needs to know. You'll be appreciated for your brevity.
• Don't be a gossip, especially spreading juicy gossips about your boss or complain to your subordinates. Even the wall has ear in office!
• Never make excuses for poor work quality or missed deadlines. Take responsibility for your mistakes. Don't blame others for your shortcomings. Your boss has to take the heat for his decisions, and he'll expect the same from you. Admit the mistake, explain what you'll do to correct it, do so, and then move on.ing juicy gossips about your boss or complain to your subordinates. Even the wall has ear in office!

3. Remember it is just business nothing personal.

Keep your sense of humor, no matter how hard that may be. Your boss needs a go-to person during high-pressure situations. If you can maintain your perspective and respond with grace, you'll prove to be a valuable ally.

Take your job seriously but take yourself lightly.

4. Improve yourself

Includes:

• Learn to handle criticism. Get organized.
• Sharpen your communication skill, how to get your message across in short and crisp manner. Observe your boss’s working style and communication style – consider what the best approach to use is.
• Improve your networking, both at workplace and professional organization. Networking is a powerful resource.

5. Stand at your conviction.

It is important to stand up for what you believe in but you need to respect the chain of command.

Difficult bosses can be tough, but if you work to make their lives easier, you might just find them returning the favor. But above all, be professional; don’t bring your emotion to work, especially when you are dealing with a difficult boss.

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