They say people don’t quit jobs – they quit bosses. You might love your job and even love the company, but if your boss is making your day a living hell, then sometimes it’s just too stressful to stay. But, if you don’t want to quit your job, and want to make the best of the situation, then you need to find a way to deal with your bad boss.
According to the 2014 Work Stress Survey, 80 percent of workers are stressed out on the job. That stress comes from an unreasonable work load, lack of job security, feeling underpaid, and trouble getting along with coworkers. Inc. magazine reports that 75 percent of workers say their boss is the worst thing about their job and 65 percent would take a new boss over a pay raise!
Bad bosses come in many forms. Some are micromanagers who need to be in control, refuse to delegate, and won’t let you make any decisions. Others are bullies who insult, harass, and publicly humiliate. And others still are simply indecisive, poor leaders who have trouble communicating and don’t know the first thing about managing people. No matter the type of bad boss, working for them can bring a constant stream of pain and frustration.
If replacing your current manager is not an option, then try these 5 tips for how to deal with a bad boss:
1. Make their life easier. Ask your manager how you can help him achieve his goals. See if there is a special project that they could use extra help with. Help them to see you as someone who can relieve some of their burden. Start with smaller projects or quick wins and gradually work your way up to bigger projects. Ideally, as they have more success, it could lessen the strain on your working relationship.
2. Pick your battles. Sometimes it’s easier just to let the small stuff go and focus on the more important issues. If you are in constant conflict with your manager, try backing off on some of the more minor issues and save your energy for the ones that matter. With any luck, your manager might learn some flexibility from you.
3. Stay Cool. Maintain a professional attitude at all times and keep your emotions in check, no matter what. As infuriating as it can be to have to report to someone who is rude and disrespectful, you must maintain your composure. Losing your cool will only damage your professional reputation. When things get to that point, it’s time to go to HR.
4. Find an ally or mentor. Is there a leader in another department whom you respect and trust? Try working more closely with that person and carefully ask for advice on how to get along with your manager. They might provide a fresh and helpful perspective.
5. Wait it out. If your manager is bad enough, he is likely dealing with conflicts with others in the organization. If he’s not able to do his job well, then there is a good chance he will be shown the door. In the meantime, document all of your problematic interactions so that if and when HR does begin to ask around about his behavior, you will be prepared. Sometimes, outlasting the bad boss is only way to deal with him.
Not sure if your management team is doing their best? Want to find a better way to simplify Human Capital Management? Contact StarGarden today to learn more about how to Power Your People.
