What do you do if your consulting career is plagued by a difficult or challenging boss?

If you're stuck with a boss from hell, don't just sit there and suffer! Put on your big-boy pants and address the issue head-on. Schedule a meeting and tell them straight up what's bothering you. Demand respect and fair treatment because, hey, you're not their punching bag. If that doesn't work, it might be time to start updating that resume and look for greener pastures. No one needs that kind of negativity in their life!

First of all - this is very common. Usually bad bosses are not bad as people but they are very political and primary focus on their own career. You can very often see a boss that uses his team as sort of “protective wall”. Little bit like pawns in chess. They “sacrifice” to protect themselves. HR usually provides cover for bosses moves because there are many HR rules “skilled” bosses knows how to bend for their purpose. Also don’t forget very often (not just in consulting) people that rise to the top are highly narcissistic and have evolved sense of self-importance and when you show them a mirror they usually don’t like it. Some even will revenge. Some can have a vindictive streak that will follow you. You need to learn not to be naive.

When facing a challenging boss in consulting, first strive to understand their expectations and adapt your work style to meet them. Communicate openly, seeking feedback to improve and clarifying project goals. Set clear boundaries to maintain professional integrity. Look for mentorship within the organization for guidance and support. Document interactions and achievements to protect yourself and highlight your contributions. Consider your growth and well-being; if the situation doesn't improve, it may be beneficial to explore opportunities elsewhere where your skills and contributions are valued.

Having a difficult boss can be a teaching moment. It can show you not what to do when you become the boss. Often the reason they are difficult is that at some level you do not share their values. And like the attitude that you take with clients, ask yourself why is your relationship strained and what steps can you take to resolve the situation. You can even ask what the problem is - perhaps it is your particular behaviour or attitude. But if, for example, you may have criticised them or embarrassed them, then an apology might help. A lot of bosses need to be right (just about all the time) to save face.

Like every career it is essential to understand the opportunities and areas of growth. I would like to believe everything can be an opportunity if you are willing to adapt to it and learn the required skill sets to achieve the goals you wish to achieve.

Being proactive is not just about business but also personal branding as a consultant. Being proactive engages potential customers that could offer your career a boost while offering you the opportunity to explore a wider knowledge area. From that you can expertise in a couple but understanding the fundamental needs of the future through proactivity can help leverage options.

As a consultant at SAP I focus in S/4 HANA and business transformation but it is essential to understand the ecosystem to deliver quality results. And this continuous learning is essential to navigate through any disruptions that might arise in your career. Stay on top and I wish everyone well