If we could have it all out own way, then we’d work in a job with love, with colleagues who are our friends, and for a boss that couldn’t get any better. Alas, this is the real world, and in today’s day and age, we’re lucky if we’re able to have even one of those criteria in our professional life. Of those three, it’s the boss that can cause the most trouble, since they have the most power of the tone of the office and is a person we have to report to directly. But you don’t just to accept your professional fate; there are things you can do, as we’ll see below.
Try the Diplomatic Approach
It’s easy for a boss to get wrapped up in the stress of their job. Underneath it all, they might be lovely, reasonable people who have just got too much on their plate. They might be taking it out on you without even realising it! If their attitude seems to have sprung from nowhere, then try speaking to them about your issues. They might apologise and promise to be better in the future. Or they might really be a terrible person after all. In which case, proceed to the next tip.
Act like a Leader
It’s usual for a person to submit to their bosses power. They place themselves in a subservient role, but once they’re there, it’s unlikely that they’ll get out without a big change. One of the best remedies for overcoming a bad boss is to act like a leader. This is your own brand we’re talking about here; this job might come and go, but how you are as a worker? That’ll follow you around. If you’re a better boss than your actual boss, then you’ll be on the path to a good career, even if it won’t be at your present company.
Deliver Your Best Work
It’s easy to lose enthusiasm for your work when you’ve lost faith with your boss, but it’s important that you continue to deliver your best work. Even if you think your boss isn’t noticing all the good work that you’re doing, other people will. And even if by some chance they don’t notice either, then at least you’ll know that you’re delivering your best work. In any case, consistently having a high standard of work will make it more difficult for your boss to pick out problems.
Remember Their Responsibilities
Of course, it’s imperative that you remember that your boss isn’t able to just do whatever they want. You have rights that they need to abide by. For example, they can’t just raise grievances whenever they feel like it; they need to follow the Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures. You likely have a lot more rights in the office than you think you do. This won’t stop them being nasty, incompetent, or any of the other “superficial” complaints you have against them, but it does show that you have more power than you might realize.
Figure Out Their Problem
A famous anthropologist once advised to “never take for granted the way a person is.” If your boss is getting angry at the drop of a hat, then they're not just that way for the sake of it; something has made them that way. They might have problems at home, or worried about their business, or anything else. Try to see it from their perspective. It won’t necessarily make them a better boss, but it will give you a sense of perspective that allows you to handle their dramas better.
Speak Your Mind
It’s important to remember that the problem might not only be with your boss; it might be with you, too. And specifically, your inability to speak up and air any grievances that you might have. If something is bothering you, then you might be tempted just to ride it out until you move on to your next job, but what if this current company really is the best place for you to be? Go and have a word with HR or anyone else in a position of authority. They might value you and want to keep you as an employee, and thus be willing to make changes to make you happy.
Keep a Positive Attitude
It’s easy to become disheartened at work. But what good does that ever do? Even when the going gets tough, keep a positive attitude: it’ll serve you well as you navigate this difficult time in your career.
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