Dear Miss C,
My boss is horrible! He pretty much has it out for me all of the time. If he would just care more about what we the employees need, he would be a better boss. But we can’t talk to him about it because, I am sure he would just find a reason to get rid of us, and I need the job. So what can I do?
–DZ
Dear DZ,
At least one time in our professional lives, we are going to have bosses we do not like. So before you try anything drastic, I challenge you to make sure you are actually dealing with a horrible boss. Are you being too hard on him? Or is there a reason for his behavior? Spend a day or two observing your boss but instead of noticing all of the things you do not like about him, look for things that he does well. When you do observe those behaviors that you feel are horrible, try to figure out why it occurred. Is it really his fault or could there be something outside of his control, such as outside factors or stress with his own boss. Because understanding why your boss does what he does can give insight into his management style.
No matter what you observe, do not let it affect your own work, because it is important for you to put your best foot forward. You always want to stay on good terms with the other leaders in your work place.
Stay one step ahead and document everything. If you can anticipate your boss’s plans, you can prepare yourself and potentially have things completed before even being asked. Document your work but also document interactions with your boss. This will help you to identify your boss’s triggers which will help you avoid undue stressors.
When you cannot avoid the stressors use some basic “relationship” tips. Summarize his communications and end the statements with, “is this what you meant?” If your boss says you are on track, ask him to tell you more about it, because when you repeat someone’s perspective back to them, you give a chance to feel heard. Feeling heard can help improve relationship difficulties.
DZ, be patient. If this job is important to you, you owe it to yourself to use these tips and create an opportunity to give the best employee you can be. Your record will stand for itself.
Blessings,
– Miss C
*Be sure to send your own questions to AskMeMissC@gmail.com, visit my Facebook page, or write letter to my attention and send to the West Bend News*
