Getting along with your boss is necessary in order to be happy at work and important to long-term career advancement. But when your boss is bad or even toxic, it negatively impacts your ability to perform. Whether your manager is a micromanager, an aggressive taskmaster or just a run-of-the-mill jerk, use these tips to navigate the minefield of working for a bad boss.
Don’t Let the Situation Impact Your Work
No matter how difficult you find your boss to be, do not let it negatively impact your work. You do not want your co-workers to begin feeling resentful nor do you want to find yourself on the radar of other leaders at the company. If you think you’re punishing your boss for bad behavior by dragging your feet on tasks, taking frequent “mental health days” or coming in late, you’re wrong – you’re only hurting yourself. In fact, you’re actually allowing your boss to build a case against you to let you go.
Work Proactively
The best course of action when dealing with a bad boss is to work proactively. Instead of dragging your feet, push yourself harder. Get all work in before deadlines, anticipate needs before they arise, and get things done before your boss comes to you to ask for something. If you can stay one step ahead, you’ll put some distance between you and your boss and you’ll be building a reputation as a rock star employee.
Adapt to Your Boss’s Preferences
When it comes to dealing with difficult people, it is important to remember you cannot change or control their behavior, you can only change and control your own. While on principle, it might feel frustrating to change your own actions when you think your boss is the wrong, but it’s best for your mental health and your position with the company to adapt to your manager’s preferences no matter how frustrating or silly they may be.
Make a Change
If you have tried tactics like these to manage the situation and it has not improved, it is probably time to make a change. As you look for a new role, do research to make sure you don’t end up in another situation with a difficult boss.
A professional engineering recruiter can help you with your search, matching you to potential employers whose culture and leadership style align with your values and approach to work. If you are an engineer seeking new opportunities to grow your career and you want to put an expert in your corner, contact the Atlanta engineering recruiters at Selectek today.
