What do you do if your boss holds all the power and you want to assert yourself professionally?

In a career spanning close to 15 years, i've had both the privilege and pain of working with bosses who provide 0 to 100 % autonomy, easy to work with, difficult to convince "Know it all's" ,across the spectrum. However, in all situations, i've always conveyed the pros and cons of any decision to be taken, risks in taking certain directions, understanding their point of view and inputs as well in any situation, their perspective on the larger picture. In the end , its important to understand that we all are part of the same team , intending to achieve the best result for our companies and customers.The ability to own the problems and solutions from start to finish and seeing them through has helped tremendously in achieving desired results.

I've learned that self-awareness is the anchor in this sea of uncertainty. Taking stock of my skills, experiences, and unique contributions has been pivotal. It's about recognising the value I bring to the table, even when the power dynamics might suggest otherwise.

Asserting yourself professionally is not just about speaking up-it's about doing so with finesse and confidence. Indeed, this issue is not new. I believe, we all face situations like these more than once or twice in our professional life. Firstly, stay professional. Maintain a respectful and professional demeanour, even in challenging situations is a must. Establish a rapport with your boss through open communication and reliability. Prioritize issues that are important and worth addressing. Instead of just pointing out problems, propose constructive solutions. Request feedback on your ideas and performance to show your commitment to improvement. Keep a record of your achievements and contributions to showcase your value.

The art of communication has become my guiding star. Being clear and concise in expressing my thoughts and ideas has been transformative. But it's not just about speaking; it's also about listening. Understanding my boss's perspective has helped me tailor my messages in ways that resonate.

Excellence can be communicated through words, you can excellently communicate to your boss, your concerns and things bothering you in a way that doesn't show insubordination. You could also negotiate for better offers, deals and responsibilities more effectively. Who knows you could end up being in the good books of your boss

There's wisdom in knowing when to stand firm and when to yield. Every confrontation isn't a battlefield, and I've learned to choose my battles wisely. It's about assessing the risks and benefits and understanding which issues are worth fighting for and which are better left for another day.

In the midst of it all, professionalism is my north star. No matter how stormy the seas may get, I strive to stay composed and respectful. It's about conducting myself with integrity, even when faced with challenging situations.

Cuando te enfrentas a un jefe dominante, lo importante es mantenerte estratégico y proactivo. Una táctica efectiva es ofrecer feedback constructivo, siempre alineado con los objetivos de la empresa. Este enfoque no solo muestra tu compromiso, sino que también destaca tu capacidad para pensar críticamente y contribuir al crecimiento organizacional. Si, a pesar de tus esfuerzos, encuentras que no hay alineación entre tus valores y los de la empresa, considera la posibilidad de buscar otras oportunidades. Recientemente, opté por cambiar de empresa debido a la falta de alineación, lo que me permitió seguir caminos más acordes con mis aspiraciones profesionales.