What is one piece of advice you would give for dealing with a difficult boss or manager and why? Here’s what four thought leaders had to say.
- Prioritize Communication and Empathy
- Maintain Open and Clear Communication
- Listen and Understand Their Perspective
- Get Details in Writing and Stay Calm
Prioritize Communication and Empathy
One piece of advice I would give for dealing with a difficult boss or manager is to prioritize communication and empathy. Early in my career, when I was a junior associate, I encountered a challenging situation where a senior manager was resistant to changes I proposed in our operational workflows.
Rather than confrontational responses, I chose to approach the situation with empathy, seeking to understand their concerns and perspectives. This approach led to open dialogue and helped me tailor my proposals to address their specific worries, ultimately gaining their support.
The lesson here is that understanding your manager’s motivations and concerns can pave the way for constructive discussions and finding common ground.
By fostering a relationship based on respect and empathy, even difficult situations can be navigated with professionalism and mutual understanding, leading to more positive outcomes in the workplace.
Aseem Jha, Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
Maintain Open and Clear Communication
One effective piece of advice for dealing with a difficult boss is to maintain open and clear communication. By actively listening to their concerns and expectations, you can better understand their perspective and address issues more effectively.
For instance, if your boss often criticizes your work, ask for specific feedback and clarify their expectations. This not only shows your commitment to improvement but also helps in finding common ground and reducing misunderstandings.
Open communication fosters a more cooperative and less adversarial relationship, making it easier to navigate challenges and create a more productive work environment.
Matt Phelps, Founder & CEO, InkGen
Listen and Understand Their Perspective
If you’re dealing with a difficult boss or manager, my advice would be to really listen and try to understand their perspective.
Why? Because sometimes, the root of the issue lies in miscommunication or unmet expectations. By practicing active listening and showing empathy, you can identify what they truly need and how you can help meet those needs.
It’s important to draw boundaries and make sure certain lines are not crossed; all workplace interactions have to take place in a respectful manner. Be sure to call this out politely if the line is crossed.
Ultimately, to get the most out of you, the company needs to ensure you work comfortably, so make sure you know what that means for you and communicate it to your boss and team. If the company can’t provide that for you and you can’t give the company what it’s asking of you, then it’s always better to part ways respectfully.
There’s no one perfect work culture, and we’re all different; ultimately, you need to take care of yourself and make your well-being a priority. This, in turn, will also mean you get to bring the best version of you to the table, which is good for business.
Juan Pablo Mendez Trongé, SEO Manager, Dexerto
Get Details in Writing and Stay Calm
When dealing with difficult clients, I’d say clear communication is your best friend. Always get project details and expectations in writing upfront. It helps prevent misunderstandings and gives you something to refer back to if issues come up. Plus, it shows you’re professional and organized, which can help smooth over rough patches. If things still get tense, stay calm and focus on solutions rather than pointing fingers. Sometimes, a little patience goes a long way in keeping the job on track.
John Cammidge, Handyman, Handyman – John
