Working with a difficult boss can be stressful and frustrating, especially when it comes to managing your time. You may feel overwhelmed by unrealistic deadlines, conflicting priorities, micromanagement, or lack of feedback. How can you cope with this situation and still get your work done efficiently and effectively? Here are some tips to help you manage your time with a difficult boss.
The first step is to understand what kind of boss you are dealing with and what their expectations are. Is your boss a perfectionist, a procrastinator, a control freak, or a visionary? Do they prefer frequent updates, detailed reports, or creative solutions? Do they value quality, speed, or innovation? By knowing your boss's style, you can tailor your communication, work methods, and deliverables to suit their preferences and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
It’s the most common water cooler conversation. The sins of the boss. An endless litany of complaints of about what he/she did or did not do, say or not say. When they are delegating they become aloof. When they are involved they become micromanagers. Often we miss the fact that the more senior the leader, the more the pressure on them to deliver, the longer the work hours, more the meetings and less opportunity to spend time with their loved ones. They too need care, love and affection. They may often feel more lonely at work as they cannot share their stresses and pressures with others.
Brevity is is next to Godliness. Be brief. Have your facts straight. Be prepared. The irony of having to give 750 characters in order to add a comment or move on to the contribution is counter productive. All the bosses that I’ve worked with, vice president on up, just want the facts. If they want to know what time it. Is, just tell them. They don’t want you to build a watch.
The next step is to set clear and realistic goals for yourself and your projects. This means defining the scope, timeline, budget, and quality standards of your work, and making sure your boss agrees with them. If your boss is unclear or unreasonable about the goals, try to negotiate and clarify them until you reach a mutual understanding. If your boss is still unrealistic or demanding, document your agreements and expectations in writing and keep a record of your progress and challenges.
The third step is to prioritize and plan your tasks according to the goals you have set. This means identifying the most important, urgent, and valuable tasks, and allocating your time and resources accordingly. You can use tools such as calendars, to-do lists, or project management software to help you organize and track your tasks. You should also anticipate potential problems and risks, and prepare contingency plans or solutions. If your boss changes the priorities or adds new tasks, ask them to clarify the impact on the existing goals and deadlines, and adjust your plan accordingly.
The fourth step is to communicate and update your boss regularly and proactively. This means keeping your boss informed of your progress, achievements, challenges, and feedback. You should also ask for their input, guidance, and support when needed. By communicating and updating your boss, you can build trust, rapport, and respect, and avoid surprises, misunderstandings, and conflicts. You should also choose the best mode, frequency, and tone of communication for your boss, whether it is email, phone, or face-to-face.
Be brief yet thorough. Let him ask the questions. Don’t try to anticipate any responses. Just like Dragnet. Just the facts. Know your boss’s propensities and proclivities.
What if we could take a more compassionate and kind view of our leaders. What may this look like ? Boss how are you feeling ? is a question we may consider asking ? How can I help you ? is a nice way to start a meeting ? What is stressing you out ? help them unload their feelings ? How is your family ? remind them they have one and need to go home ? Can I take on some more work show that you care ? Buy them a coffee or a meal show that you notice them ? Compliment them on good work they are human after all ? Buy them a nice gift when u travel who does not like one ? Meditate on them with compassion grow the seed of love within you
The fifth step is to manage your stress and emotions when working with a difficult boss. This means finding healthy ways to cope with the pressure, frustration, and anger that may arise from the situation. You can try to relax, exercise, meditate, or talk to someone you trust. You should also avoid taking things personally, blaming yourself, or venting to your colleagues. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your work, such as your achievements, learning, and growth.
Can you begin to notice your boss as a human being ? Can then evolve to appreciating them ? Can you take it to the next level by learning to love them. Try this simple test What I love about my boss is ………….. complete the sentence and notice how long it took you to do so. if it took long and you had to think you have some way to go. We are all human. We all need love and kindness. Especially bosses. Love thy boss.
The final step is to seek feedback and improvement from your boss and yourself. This means asking for constructive criticism, praise, and recognition from your boss, and using them to improve your performance and skills. You should also give yourself feedback, and celebrate your successes, learn from your mistakes, and identify your areas of development. By seeking feedback and improvement, you can demonstrate your professionalism, initiative, and value, and enhance your relationship with your boss.