How to deal with a difficult boss
The impact of boss-employee relationships on job satisfaction
Work relationships, especially between employees and bosses, are key to job satisfaction. An effective boss breeds confidence, inspires production, and helps the work environment run like a well-oiled machine. An ineffective one can create an atmosphere of confusion, fear, and anger.
According to Gallup research, only one in ten people possess the talent to manage. That means many bosses lack natural ability.
Many work hard to learn the necessary skills and live up to the expectations of their position, but many do not.
Whether dealing with a poor communicator, a terrible organizer, or a temperamental oaf, coming to work each day is hard when you have a problematic boss.
The quick solution that comes to mind is finding a new job. (Hence the popularity of the saying “People leave managers, not companies.”)
However, not all workers want (or are in a position) to make such a move. They may enjoy the actual work, and the job may pay well or contribute to their long-term goals. Similar roles could be difficult to find due to location or industry. And there’s no guarantee that someone accepting a new job offer will have a better boss.
Consider learning how to deal with a difficult boss as a good skill to acquire. Here are tactics to add to your arsenal:
Identify the problem(s)
What makes this person a “bad boss”? Perhaps he is a micromanager who scrutinizes your every move. Maybe she possesses a “my way or the highway” management style. Perhaps he sets unrealistic expectations that leave you constantly struggling to meet deadlines.
Write down the things that bother you. Besides the fact that it feels good to vent, you may discover patterns. This knowledge can prove helpful when determining further action.
The list also serves as a starting point for documentation should you choose to take up matters with human resources. While employees often can handle a problematic situation independently, extreme behavior such as bullying or harassment demands more attention.
“The extent to which a boss is difficult is somewhat subjective,” says Dr. Diane Rosen, a workplace expert and a principal at Compass Consultants. “‘Difficult’ can run the gamut from annoying to full-on abusive. The former is something to deal with internally, while the latter may rise to the level of needing to be escalated to the boss’s boss or HR.”
“If you have an abusive boss, take whatever action is necessary to bring the abusive attention to a superior. If it is a small business, the boss is an owner, and there are no channels, you may have to leave the job as soon as practicable. Your safety comes first.”
Examine your behavior
When you are in a frustrating working relationship, it is easy to blame the other person. Take a hard look at how you might be contributing to the problem. (Note: If the scenario involves sexual advances, violence, or other improper actions on the part of your boss, do not “victim blame” yourself. Wrong is just plain wrong.)
Let’s say you’re bothered by micromanaging. Might the fact that you missed two important deadlines last month and recently sent out a customer email blast containing a glaring error justify the boss paying extra attention?
Or, perhaps, you lament that your manager is a stickler. But is it really out of line to reprimand workers for not following safety procedures, failing to obey the dress code, or taking a long lunch?
A boss who expects you to follow rules and perform up to par is not being difficult – he is doing his job.
Remember that managers need to live up to company expectations. What you do reflects on them. Adjusting your own attitude or performance might improve everyone’s work life.
Might you also be quick to overreact? Is the boss that bad, or just annoying? Do you have expectations set in your mind that are nearly impossible to meet? Is one past bad instance clouding your perception of all their actions?
It could be time to forgive and forget or to remind yourself that nobody’s perfect and move forward.
Avoid landmines
Once you better understand your situation’s challenges, such as what triggers meltdowns, you can begin instituting changes.
If your boss is always in a bad mood after returning from an executive meeting, try to schedule your daily check-in before that event.
If he tends to micromanage during the hour before a report is due, move the deadline up 60 minutes in your head.
You can hand him a completed document rather than subject yourself to his hyper behavior.
Similarly, know your leader’s pet peeves. Does she go ballistic when spotting a typo? Triple-check your work. Is he ready to write up people for being a minute late?
Get there early. Anticipating difficulties and staying one step ahead can prevent many negative encounters from ever happening.
Speak the right language
Do you want your boss to listen to your ideas or suggestions? Discuss issues as they relate to work. Difficult managers typically want to avoid insight into their personalities or hearing about your feelings. Stick to your mutual goal of benefiting the company.
“Finding common ground with your boss can foster a more positive working relationship. Identifying shared goals and interests can help bridge the gap and ease tensions,” says Ben Gold, founder of Recommended Home Buyers.
Perhaps you are frustrated by the boss routinely dumping work on you last minute. You may be tempted to point out that he is inconsiderate or causes you a great deal of anxiety. Instead, present the matter regarding your common ground – good work.
Say how you would really benefit from getting assignments earlier. The extra time would allow them the attention they deserve. Another possibility would be to enlist his help the next time this situation occurs. Given the time constraints, show him what’s already on your to-do list, and ask him what to prioritize.
“Focus on solutions rather than dwelling on the difficulties,” Gold suggests. “Presenting actionable ideas to address challenges can demonstrate your proactive approach and dedication to a harmonious work environment.”
Pay attention to communication styles, too. If your boss likes emails, asking questions via that method may yield quick and helpful answers. Unsure what your manager prefers? Ask about her favored communication method to save her time moving forward.
Up your game
Unfortunately, dealing with a bad boss may necessitate going to greater lengths to compensate for their lack of clarity or poor communication skills. This extra effort seems unfair, but it could make your work life smoother.
And if you are interested in staying with this company—perhaps to get a promotion or a spot on another team—such actions protect your reputation.
“Get granular,” Rosen says. “For example, if the boss does not give clear assignments, make sure to take notes and check that you are sure you understand the instructions both at the time and as you are working. You want to avoid spending time and effort on something only to discover it is not what the boss wants.”
“If the boss says that’s not what I said, you can refer to your notes and your email chain confirming that you did as told. Or, if the boss claims you did not meet a deadline when, in fact, you did, make sure to timestamp your work by sending an email such as ‘confirming you received the report I sent this morning/yesterday/last Tuesday.’ To the extent it is practical, document your workflow and responses to the boss’s requests.”
Stay professional
Workers trying to “get back” at a difficult boss makes a good movie plot. In real life, it’s much safer to take the high road.
Resist the urge to talk about your boss behind her back. What you say could get back to the person and worsen the situation. And gossip, complaints, and negativity could make others at the company see you as the one promoting a toxic work environment.
Rant to your mother, neighbor, or pet – not those with whom you maintain professional relationships. (This includes your LinkedIn connections and others in your network. You never know who will forward something to someone. Not to mention, you risk appearing immature.)
Also, do not try to “hurt” your manager through poor work. Such behavior will just anger the leader and cause further tensions, making you look bad.
You risk damaging your own reputation and career prospects. Separate the work from the person in charge as much as possible.
Look for bright spots
Our minds tend to go to extremes. But the reality is that people are usually not all bad (or all good, for that matter). What are some of your manager’s strong points? Looking for these positives may change the vibe around your interactions.
“Move away from a binary characterization – good/bad, difficult/easy, love the boss/hate the boss,” Rosen says. “Focusing on what is bad is demoralizing and saps your energy. Is there anything about the boss that is ok?”
“Some examples are the boss being cold and reserved but knowing the business, the boss having positive moments, and the boss being fair about advancement, compensation, etc. If you can think about what is going well versus what is wrong with the boss/job, you can build tolerance for the behavior you don’t like and have a better experience at work.”
Empathize
Another way to potentially reduce negativity is to develop empathy. Emotionally intelligent workers try to see the workplace through their boss’s eyes. Might your manager be overworked and understaffed? Is the person new to management and lacking skills or confidence?
Or, maybe the leader is going through some personal difficulties. (Managers parent mouthy teenagers, too.) Assume the difficult boss is not trying to hurt you personally, and give the benefit of the doubt when you can.
Pay attention to your mental health
Employees dealing with a difficult boss may experience increased stress levels, burnout, depression, or anxiety. To combat these things, Exercise, sleep, eat right, meditate, and go for a mind-clearing walk at lunch.
Spend your evenings doing things you enjoy rather than rehashing the day’s events in your head. Take days off to refresh and recharge.
Also, avoid associating your own worth with what a toxic boss says or does. No matter how outstanding your performance, that pat on the back may never come. Find other cheerleaders and mentors. Give yourself credit for a job well done.
Move on
Finally, know when to say when. If you’ve tried to improve matters with a bad boss but still find the situation unbearable, explore a new job opportunity. You might transfer to a new job within the organization or decide to seek a fresh start with a new company.
“While it is crucial to make efforts to resolve challenges with your difficult boss, it is equally important to recognize when the situation remains stagnant despite your best attempts,” says Vikas Kaushik, CEO at TechAhead.
“If the circumstances continue to impact your well-being and hinder your professional growth negatively, it might be time to contemplate seeking other career opportunities. Making the decision to move on from a challenging workplace is not a sign of weakness but rather a proactive step towards ensuring your long-term happiness and success in your career journey.”
More resources:
How to deal with difficult coworkers 
Toxic employee undermining boss? How to stop workplace rumors
Employee rights calling in sick: What you must know
Want more insights like these? Visit Beth Braccio-Hering’s author page to explore her other articles and expertise in business management.
