EP 837 – Managing a Difficult Boss

It’s the end of the day and you’re exhausted, frustrated and wondering why you put up with your difficult boss. If you have been in this situation before, you know just how much they can impact how you feel about your job, and even your own security and confidence.

Understanding why some people become more difficult or negative, and when they are more likely to act that way, can prevent you from obsessing about your difficult boss, to the exclusion of all your other colleagues, who were quite pleasant and appreciated your work. By reflecting on your role in these difficult interactions, you will be in a better position to learn strategies to head off and/or counteract the stressful effects of these encounters.

So here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Your Resiliency and Celebrating Home and Office Safety and Security Week

The main premise to work from is that difficult people use negative behaviour to get what they want. It has decreased their stress before and they are counting on it to work for them again.

We must understand not only what people are going through but also what they expect to gain from being so difficult. Some want to feel more in control. Some want to feel important and listened to, and some want to avoid outright conflict, but will act out their annoyance or disagreement through other negative behaviours.

Our role is to find alternate ways of meeting their needs for control, importance or safety.

Don’t forget that you can find more tips for coping with mental health issues, by checking out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com