From turning passion projects into successful ventures to establishing themselves as corporate geniuses, TC46 Self-Starters are women we all admire and aspire to be. Resilience, determination, hard work and pure, unadulterated talent define these go-getters and their stories are certainly awe-inspiring. So if you’re looking to break the glass ceiling, climb the corporate ladder, or even kickstart your own business, here’s some great advice from these Boss Women.
Career Advice: 8 Tips To Handle A Difficult Boss
Your supervisor, leader or manager has a lot of impact on your career. Today’s corporate world is competitive and infamously exhausting. Working with a boss who motivates you to do better and pushes your growth can be life-changing. Here are some vital tips to deal with a boss who’s a little difficult.
1. Find Out The ‘Why’
When you know what and how your boss thinks, it will be easier to adapt accordingly. So know what drives them and use it to your advantage.
2. Offer Support
Supporting a bad boss might seem like a contradiction when it comes to knowing how to deal with a difficult boss. But this strategy holds a lot of power. Making your boss look bad or butting heads will yield nothing. Instead, find out their strengths and play with that. Help them deal with their weaknesses.
3. Speak Up
Give your boss the opportunity to respond to your concerns by speaking up. Approach them with respect and a genuine desire to have a conversation. Do this without prejudice and this will open doors.
4. Prepare In Advance
How to deal with a demanding boss is something everyone should be aware of. It can be done by anticipating their next move. A micromanaging leader should be stopped his/her tracks before it becomes a habit.
5. Say No To Bullying
Stand up for yourself. Instead of cowering and staying shut, try and diffuse the situation. Keep a cool head and prepare for things to get ugly. But be prepared with your safety net and document their behaviour. It takes practice, but over a period you will get better at it. And eventually, they will go elsewhere for their power kick.
6. Be Your Own Leader
An incompetent boss will push you to take the leadership role. If you see that your boss is unable to guide the team or take concrete decisions, step in. The management will notice your initiative. Keep your boss in the loop so that you don’t undermine their authority.
7. Take The High Road
Stay focused on your performance and work. Do complain and vent out to family and friends. But losing interest or slacking off will only hamper your professional growth.
8. Set Boundaries
Many of these toxic bosses engage in manipulative behaviour. They overshare their life story and expect you to do the same. And once you fall for this trap, they use this information against you. So the trick is to set firm boundaries. Beware of what you share with your boss or even colleagues who might let it slip in conversation.