Here's how you can handle stress when dealing with an unresponsive boss.

Recognize that you are dealing with a difficult boss and never blame yourself for how other people choose to act. Do not attempt to change the boss but establish some coping mechanisms that will help you shield your wellbeing. Understand yourself and identify when its getting heavy on you ( Migraines, Anger outbursts, Sleeplessness, Emotional Fatigue, Loss of appetite, unexplained sadness etc) Learn to disconnect from work stresses when you are out of office. Seek help if its taking a toll on you, engage in social activities that help you relax, enroll in a gym or have some physical activities that will relieve you of the stress. If you believe in prayer, go for it.

Recognise the signs, acknowledge them and then work towards them. Start with the small signs, look for signals and observe them. There can be situations which are overwhelming and may make you feel devalued, upset, useless and unappreciated. This could also bring a physical sign of stress like sleepless nights, headaches, backache etc. don’t ignore these situations and acknowledge them to prepare an action plan

An unresponsive boss can be stressful, but there are strategies that can help. —Communicate clearly and respectfully with your boss; attempt to establish a connection and re-align with your boss by discussing shared goals. —If your boss is unaware of their toxic actions, you can try giving them feedback. —De-escalate situations and stay calm by practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. —Seek support and guidance from others, such as colleagues or HR. —Try to understand your boss's emotional state and see things from their perspective. —If necessary, you can escalate the issue to a higher authority within the organization. —Consider an exit plan and looking for other opportunities.

Document Everything: Keep a record of your communications and any attempts to get in touch with your boss. This can provide a clear trail if needed later. Prioritize Your Tasks: Focus on what you can control and prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance. Seek Clarification: If you're unclear about something, try to get clarity through other channels like colleagues or official documentation. Seek Feedback: If possible, ask for feedback from other team members or supervisors. This can provide you with the guidance you need.

I prefer face to face communication schedule a private meeting and calmly express specific instances where stress has affected your work. Propose solutions and seek guidance on managing workload better. Follow up with a summary email outlining agreed action points for clarity and accountability. This approach shows initiative and aims to foster constructive dialogue.

Set Deadlines: When you send emails or messages, include a deadline for when you need a response. This can help create a sense of urgency. Use Multiple Communication Channels: If your boss isn’t responding to emails, try a different method, such as a phone call, text, or a scheduled meeting. Stay Professional: Keep your communications professional and polite, regardless of the frustration you may feel.

Good thing is that you have been able to identify your stressor. Consciously decide not to undermine the impact of the stress by taking time to meditate, eat healthily, exercise, get good sleep and most importantly anticipate that the desired change you desire will happen with time.

Find Support: Talk to a mentor, HR, or a trusted colleague about the situation. They might offer helpful advice or intervene if necessary. Consider Long-Term Solutions: If the situation doesn’t improve, think about discussing it with higher management or looking for opportunities elsewhere that better align with your work style and needs.

While the stress and frustration of an unresponsive supervisor can be enough to make you want to quit, here are some DOs and DON'Ts from the perpective of a professional executive coach: ?? DO document your communication attempts to accurately track how and when the delays happen ?? DON'T assume the lack of response is personally targeted towards you ?? DO use empathic leadership to ask how your supervisor is doing overall and not just project specific ?? DON'T escalate the issue before determining if the supervisor is having issues with other team members or if it's just you ?? DO use multiple forms of communication (email v. phone) and styles (bullets v. paragraphs) to see if it makes a difference

Focus on Self-Care: Manage your stress by engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Set Boundaries: Be clear about your work hours and stick to them. Don’t let the stress of an unresponsive boss encroach on your personal time.

It can be demoralizing to see your work's importance without your boss’ input or feedback. First: to formally ask your boss for their inputs (in writing) ? express how their guidance will create more clarity in your role. Second, seek support from other team members & leaders: ? to help you reconnect with the purpose in your work ? to understand how your role connects to the larger organization ? Instead of criticizing your boss for a lack of responsiveness, seek advice from other leaders on improving communication with the leadership team. Understand the systems in place for addressing communication breakdowns. Lastly, identify all stakeholders impacted by your work. ? Consider how to create value for them, beyond your boss.