How to handle a Harsh Boss/Manager

 

Instructions to handle to Harsh Boss

• Remain professional at all times. Remember that you are not in a personal relationship with your boss and try not to let him hurt you emotionally. If your boss is being abusive or overly critical, do not let yourself cry or lose your temper. Listen to what your boss says, speak calmly in return, and try not to take any harsh words personally. 

• Do your best work. If you are conscientious and make sure that your work is done properly and professionally, your boss will not have any legitimate reasons to harp on you. If your work is free of mistakes you will be able to avoid confrontational run-ins with your boss.

• Learn to read your boss and try to work in a way that works for you. If you know your boss reacts a certain way in certain situations, act to diffuse that situation before she can start her negative behavior. If, for example, you know that your boss has no patience for small talk at the beginning of a meeting, do not engage your coworkers in small talk at the beginning of a meeting. If you figure out what her pet peeves are, you both will be in a better mood.

• Avoid taking a defensive tone with your boss. If you make sure that you're always in "discussion mode" when approaching him with problems rather than "confrontation mode," you'll be less likely to set him off.

• Keep a record of your boss's abusive behavior. If you really are having trouble with your boss and think that her harsh attitude has become abusive, you should document the incidents of abuse. This record will be helpful if the situation becomes so intolerable that you have to approach your boss' superior to make a formal complaint.

• Seek support from your coworkers. While it is not productive to form a group that simply sits around and complains about the boss, you might want to informally get together and brainstorm ideas about how to work effectively with him. Again, if you have to file a complaint against your boss if his behavior becomes abusive, it will help to have back-up.

• Have an exit plan. If things become unbearable, have a resume ready so that you can start applying for other jobs. If your boss is making your work life unbearable and that stress is bleeding into your personal life, holding on to your current job may not be worth the misery.