How Do You Deal With a Difficult Boss?

Does your boss appreciate your work? Or, on the contrary, does he like to humiliate you all the time in front of others? For the second option, learn how to deal with a boss - or a boss - who seems to have come straight from hell…

The ruthless

The kind of boss (usually a woman) who has phenomenal success; she is highly respected by male employees, but she behaves harshly and cruelly with her subordinates. He gladly plays the game of power, demanding blind and humble obedience.

The typical line: "How? Do you want me to move forward? Now that you're not doing anything right?"

How do you deal with it? Don't let it dominate you psychologically. To get to where he is now, he worked hard, and most likely no one helped him. Why would she give it to you? Follow her closely and learn from her. Try to understand the key to her success. But be kind and generous with those you leave behind as you move forward: when they fall free, people like your boss don't get help from anyone.

How to be superior. When the place changes, you are at the top of your career and she is getting lower and lower, give her a chance to help you - a chance she never gave you.

Opportunist

He is an expert when it comes to evading hard work: he gives a disposition, after which he disappears and appears exactly at the right moment, in order to gather all the glory of a job well done.

The typical reply: "I have to go. Do these calculations, compare them, quickly put them on a table, make copies and put them in order by tomorrow, at 8.30, you know, for the meeting I have…".

How do you deal with him? Make sure the people in charge know who is doing all the work. Sign any work you complete on your own and, when you have the opportunity, remember your contribution…

How to be superior. Suggest that you replace him at the morning meeting. He may not be able to resist the temptation to be lazy in bed. As you present the project, emphasize to the audience that the ideas and all the work belong to you.

The absolute master

He does not accept initiatives and does not let anyone think alone. When he gives you instructions, he details what you need to do and constantly monitors you to see if you follow them.

The typical reply: "Yes, it seems like an interesting suggestion, but we will do as we have already established."

How do you deal with it? At first glance, everything looks like a flower in your ear: just run, you don't have to think. In a short time, however, it becomes boring and you risk blurring your creative spirit. Listen to his explanations and don't ask him questions - they will make him more suspicious and obsessed with control.

Then do the work as you see fit. Present the results to him and admit in front of him that you were so inspired by his creative thinking that you allowed yourself to use a slightly different technique. If he is satisfied with the results, he could give you a little autonomy…

How to be superior. When he gives you something to do, don't be afraid to say, "Can we give it a try? You know, I have an idea that I'd like to put into practice. I'll keep you posted, obviously, and if you're not "I am fully satisfied, I will start again as you say, without exceeding the deadline for submitting the paper. Please just trust me and leave me freedom of action!" Who knows, maybe you'll win the case…

The weak link

Most of the time she is a woman, insipid, with a dependent type of personality, inclined to panic, sickly, unable to concentrate for a long time, or to get involved major. But he can bite very badly when he feels that he is losing control of the situation.

The typical reply: "We can't talk now, I have to go home, I have a migraine".

How to deal with it. Shut up, watch and learn. Adopt a supportive attitude in any professional problem, but avoid becoming a confidant or counselor. Discreetly, she takes on her responsibilities when she has to stay home. You may work a little harder, but you will learn many things. And she will be grateful that you will reduce the pressure on her and, perhaps, she will become a little stronger with your help.

How to overcome it. Make sure you know who is actually driving. Her post maybe yours soon.

Aggressiveness

A man or a woman often uses intimidation and is abusive, discovers all sorts of shortcomings in your work, and raises objections just for the sake of doing so.

The typical line: "Is this your best idea? I think it's stupid! Who has another suggestion?"

How do you deal with it? He probably feels threatened by you. But pay attention to the vicious circle: you are so afraid of his criticism that you ask for his opinion at every step, strengthening his impression of your so-called incompetence. Don't give him the feeling that he's demobilizing you. If you no longer have fear reactions, he will get bored of you and look for another poor soul to torment. And most importantly, don't forget that his attitude has nothing to do with you personally or with your skills…

How to be superior. If you do not stop the aggression, proceed so that your superiors find out about the abusive behavior of your boss. The more people know about this, the better.

Most often the man sees in the subordinates only the woman, not the professional competence. She flirts all the time in a direct way and is the kind of person who is not good at being alone.

The typical line: "You're not really Miss Universe, but I'd still like to get to know you better."

How do you deal with it? When you go to work, give up short skirts, tops, and necklines; opt instead for sober outfits. He never responds to his attempts to flirt and provoke you. Adopt a professional attitude and avoid being alone with him. Through body language and behavior, force them to take you seriously. You probably won't have much chance of advancing if you don't like them, but it's not worth the effort either, believe us!

How to be superior. If it goes too far with harassment, report it to Human Resources. If you have evidence of his behavior, present it to his superiors. If not, look for the internal regulations, consult the law or request the transfer to another department. If none of this works, look for another job.

If your boss is the naked devil, you have to learn how to cut them off by keeping your job…