You're a copywriter with a difficult boss. What are some strategies for managing conflict?

Avoid using complicate technical language that may not be understood. Use the simplest language you can to explain things and ask clarifying questions to ensure mutual understanding.

There's nothing more heartwrenching than a horrible boss, HB. The key is not to take anything this boss does or says personally. Easier said than done, I know. But before getting defensive keep your composure. Protect yourself by tracking copies and screenshots of texts and emails. This could save you in the long run. And don't think for a minute that horrible boss isn't doing the same with you. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're confused or don't understand. Before you meet with a horrible boss, create agendas and take notes during the meetings. Share those notes with said horrible boss. That way HB sees what you reviewed in your meetings and the notes you took for each other based on those meetings.

As with any difficult relationship, clear communication is key. If your tone is respectful, and what you say is carefully thought out, many conflicts can be solved, even when they involve a more difficult to work with individual.

You never know what problems, circumstances, and pressures others might be going through, including your manager(s). Never attribute to malice what can be attributed to incompetence. You're a copywriter, you can articulate well. That doesn't go for your manager. They might have difficulty communicating since their communicative faculties might not be as advanced as you. You have to be empathetic of that and communicate what's in your mind clearly, calmly, and carefully.

Ich finde die Perspektive dieses Artikels etwas einseitig. Gute Kommunikation braucht es von beiden Seiten. Sowohl von der Chefin oder vom Chef als auch vom Copywriting-Team. Nur wenn beide Seiten klar kommunizieren, ihre Erwartungen offenlegen und sich gegenseitig vertrauen, funktioniert auch die Zusammenarbeit. Es ist nicht immer nur die oder der Vorgesetzte schwierig – genauso wenig wie es immer nur an den Mitarbeitenden liegt.

Also, you can gather positive feedback from the clients. When the clients are happy, it’s difficult to critique your work or take you off the account.

Document everything, friends. “Everything” includes: - your own creative process (for your boss) - your job function and metrics to support any ways you have expanded or improved it (for your resume) - positive feedback about your work from other team members (for your website) - anything truly unkind, unethical, or inappropriate your boss says or does to you (for when you’re ready to talk about it)

Asking for feedback on a regular basis to get to better know your boss’s expectations is a wise decision in such circumstances. Demonstrate how you are welcoming his/her criticism and willing to improve by taking note of their suggestions. Voice your own ideas in a polite and professional manner, too. Keep communications open to raise concerns as early as possible and be the first in attempting to find common ground. Furthermore, remain focused on providing high-quality content day in and day out. This will do wonders in establishing trust and credibility. At the end of the day, you will most likely be left with a far more positive working relationship with your boss.

You need to get to the root of the problem and seeking feedback that leads to improvement is a productive starting point. Letting the issue fester will only frustrate both of you over time.

Whenever you need to set a boundary or expectation, present your boss with a choice. For example, "I will have time to do one of these two campaigns. Which would you like me to prioritize?" Resist the temptation to argue. Set the choice, emphasize how it's going to keep the quality high, and thank them for making a clear decision. It's a psychological way for them to hold the impression they're driving even when you're the one setting a line. Another good trick is to ask them when would be a good time to look at your calendar to figure out when to do the work. Sometimes, that's the first time they see the reality that you're arguing against logistics, not them.

Some people suck, or at least suck at being a boss. So sometimes you’ve got to recognise that you’re in this situation and save your energy and protect your peace. Assessing the importance and impact of each issue helps prioritize concerns. Addressing major issues tactfully and calmly ensures credibility and fosters better communication. It's about strategic engagement to uphold professional integrity while not sweating the small stuff.

Protege tu relación con la escritura. Los límites, la información y la asertividad no sólo te ayudarán a conservar el trabajo, sino a preservar tu gusto por lo que haces. Más allá del puesto y el salario, protege y resguarda tu gozo por el ejercicio profesional. Enfócate en los aspectos positivos y asume que nada de lo que ocurre es causado por temas personales. Recuerda que todas las personas llegan a tener desafíos para comunicar su visión, metas y perspectivas, y eso incluye a algunos jefes o líderes de proyecto.