Although most people assume that their boss is supposed to do all the managing in the workplace, this isn’t so. While your boss is dictating, delegating and often disrespecting, you should be reacting the correct way to control how they view and treat you. It does not matter if you are plagued with Mr. Grumpy, Ms. Annoying or the extra-friendly, always-hugging, shoulder-touching, second-glance type, there are things that you can do to manage your boss.
Grumpy McGrumperson
It is amazing how some people get into the position they do. How leaders expect to motivate a staff when they are always grumpy, angry or stressed, is a question no one seems to know the answer to. So, how do you handle these bosses? Do you hide in your cubicle? Never make eye contact in hopes that they won’t talk to you? Kiss up beyond belief until you are so annoying you can’t even stand to listen to yourself?
The first thing to do is divert with good news. Turn the negative into something positive. Don’t let their attitude affect you at all. Being in a good mood, motivated and smiling is contagious. If it is a random occurrence, ask if there is anything you can do to help lighten their workload for the day. Don’t offer an ear unless you really mean it. When all else fails, just hide until the storm blows over.
Terrible Two’s
Do you have a boss that acts like your toddler? There is nothing worse than a leader who cannot delegate responsibility without whining pathetically, or someone who complains about their boss to their employees. The best thing to do is stay neutral and positive. If they ask you to do something, answer in a professional tone; don’t feed into their baby talk. If they whine about their boss or other employees, act like your ears are plugged from that head cold you had last week. They will likely move onto some other victim when they don’t get the sympathy that they are looking for.
Don’t Invade My Space
Many people throw the term sexual harassment around carelessly, but what if the boss is just an overly friendly person. What if they put their hand on the shoulder of everyone they meet; not just you? What if they call the 50-year-old, 300-pound bus driver sweetheart as well? Is this really sexual harassment? Maybe they are just friendly.
The best way to handle this is to just be honest. Talk to them behind closed doors; there is no reason to put them in their place in front of others. This will only cause more problems for you. If you find that you really do have a problem, then proceed further by contacting your human resource department.
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