A problematic boss may be someone who loses their temper easily, overmanages their employees or is overly critical or offensive. No matter the specifics, an unpleasant experience with an employer creates a stressful or even toxic work environment. He or she can turn a great job into an upsetting situation until you dread workdays.
If you’re wondering what to do when dealing with a demanding boss, My Comp Lawyers has put together a list of tips to help you navigate the workplace when your employer is less than ideal:
- Stay Calm: Try your best not enter into disagreements or conflicts. When an employer is abrasive or confrontational, it’s unlikely to help your career prospects if you engage. Try to stay calm as much as possible.
- Try to See It From Their Perspective: Consider reasons why your boss does what he or she does. While it may not excuse the actions, you may at least see where your employer’s coming from. For example, if your employer is micromanaging, consider whether they feel out control when it comes to the quality of a product or service. If your boss is very abrasive and demanding, consider whether this reflects their concept of what the boss “should” be.
- Don’t Take Things Personally: It can be easy to feel that lack of promotion or criticism is personal. However, a problem boss is often an issue with a personality type than it is with you. Keep in mind that if your boss is a problem, it’s their problem and not yours.
- Talk It Over With a Professional: Speaking to a career counselor or therapist can help you address some of what you’re feeling in the situation and help you come up with solutions.
- Set Your Lines in the Sand: No one deserves verbal abuse or a toxic environment. If your boss is sexually harassing you or acting in ways that are illegal, speaking to an attorney or HR professional lets you access your next steps.
- Decide on the Payoff: Consider what you’re getting in return for your work — this can help you evaluate whether it is worth it. Is your job otherwise joyful? Do you feel recognized and acknowledged in other ways? After considering the larger picture, consider whether the problem is with your employer or with the entire position. This can make it easier to determine whether to walk away. If you find that only the boss is a problem and, overall, you love your work, you may wish to consider ways to reduce the time you spend together. Can you work in another location or work from home part-time? Can you have an assistant interact with the employer more?
- Keep Your Resume Polished: You will feel less reliant on your boss and therefore less likely to be upset by their words and actions if you know there are other positions out there for you. If you ever feel like you might prefer to work for an employer who values your contributions, keep your resume up to date to be prepared for the job hunt.
If you’ve been injured on the job and are concerned about how your boss might react to a workers’ compensation claim, contact Frommer D’Amico for a free consultation. We are certified workers’ compensation specialists, and we don’t charge case management fees, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Contact us today to discuss your workers’ compensation claim.