Bad bosses have a way of adding to your stress and making your work harder. Recently, Korn Ferry published a study that showed 76 percent of people feel their workplace stress was affecting their relationships. And, in my experience, it’s because there is a sense of loss of control. Meaning, that people who feel in control of their lives are more confident and happier.
So, let’s take a look at the state of affairs at your job, and then how to deal with a bad boss. Likewise, if you’re feeling stressed out at work, you might not be the only one who’s having a tough time. Do you see a high turnover in staff? Have you heard team members complaining about the work conditions, and your bad boss? Does it feel that there is a continual state of tension at your place of work, even if it’s unspoken? Does everyone feel as if they’re in a fishbowl, which can be stressful?
In short, if the answer to these questions is “yes,” it’s highly likely your managers are creating a hostile work environment. Therefore, while you consider your options, you need strategies to minimize your stress and increase wellbeing.
You can’t get rid of a bad boss, but you can choose how you respond
It’s not easy to work for a lousy boss, or worse, bad bosses. However, there is one very critical thing that you can do. As a result, your perspective is everything. You can’t choose what your boss does. But, you can choose how you respond––not react. In sum, when you react, you don’t have control. As an example, something happens, and you feel a rush of emotion, and without thought, you act. However, when you respond, you take a moment to acknowledge what you think. And, that moment of pause helps you think before moving forward with a response. When you respond and don’t react, you’re doing something vital for yourself. You’re empowering yourself. In other words, you are accepting you have control over your actions and response.
Study your manager so you can anticipate
I’ve heard of people, and maybe you have as well, who have managers who seem to be wholly irrational. Just because someone is in a leadership position, doesn’t mean that they deserve it. So, if you have a bad boss that doesn’t behave like a professional, you can remain professional. Focus on picking up the patterns that can have your terrible boss fly off the handle. Understand what makes your manager tick, in the good and the bad. For example, if your boss is often upset after facing certain situations, those are the times you should limit your interaction if at all possible. However, remember that you can’t control him or her. Remember that. You can minimize tough moments, but you can’t eliminate them.
Focus on staying in your lane
Another crucial thing that you can do is to stay in your lane. In other words, keep to your job. Don’t get hung up or distracted in the negative energy created in a harsh work environment. And, don’t participate in office gossip. Misery does love company. But you don’t need it. Instead, you need to keep yourself in as positive a place as possible so you can respond well and figure out your next steps. In other words, when you’re working for a bad boss, you have to do everything to take care of yourself. You’re your priority, and conserving your energy to do your job––nothing more––you help yourself in the best way possible. Keep an eye on the ball and focus on doing your job.
You control yourself; you don’t control a bad boss
Following my earlier point, you have to remind yourself as often you need to that you can only control yourself. One of the mistakes that people make is to think that if only they do this or that, they will defuse the emotions of a bad boss. But, that’s not necessarily true. Sure, you have to try to do your job to the best of your abilities. And you want to provide the work product that your manager wants. That will go a long way in a difficult situation. But, you’ll be sorely disappointed if you think that walking on eggshells will manage the situation and control your bad boss. It’s not going to happen, and you’ll only be adding to your stress. Instead, focus on doing your best job as a matter of integrity and professionalism. And then, remember that you control yourself––no one else.
Support your manager and help this person shine
This final point will be difficult, but it will go a long way toward managing the situation. When you’re working for someone who is a bad boss, the chances are high this person has a lot of insecurities. Most people grow into being productive and professional adults. And, when people can’t handle themselves at work that way, it’s their problem and something deep within them. You don’t know what their insecurities are, and you shouldn’t care. You’re not a psychologist. But, you should work to support this person, meaning give them what they need. If they need material for a meeting, and it’s your job, do it for them. By supporting them tactically, it will help alleviate their anxiety, and in turn yours.
In conclusion, no one should be a bad boss. Period. Being anything less than a professional is not necessary. And, being someone who borders on the abusive is not acceptable. If you find yourself in such a situation, your only choice may be to leave the company. Sometimes complaining to the top brass works, but many times it doesn’t. And, that’s a reality as sad as it sounds. But, remember you matter more in your life than your bad boss. Your objective is to overcome––even if it means leaving––with your wellbeing and professionalism intact.
© 2019 Wayne Elsey. All Rights Reserved