8 Ways to Win Over a Mean Boss

Source: Magicnegro

Let’s face it most of us know or have heard about a boss from hell, the one who screams at everyone and cares less about people’s suggestions. This is the modern-day screaming genie- he rarely makes friends in the workplace, laughs at his own jokes and seems blind to all the good things you do, he has a good eye for your missteps and sings them into your ears, he has a problem with everything you do; and when he smiles, you know something really bad is about to happen.


The following points will guide you into smoothing out that difficult relationship.

Be hardworking – I don’t mean work round the clock type of hard work, I mean showing expertise at what you do. Truth is your boss may not admit it but it’s impossible he won’t notice when you are great at something. Know your job and do it well. Be recognized as someone with integrity, make it easy for people to trust you.  Be willing to take greater responsibilities, get more exposure and esteem in the eyes of colleagues and superiors.

It’s still your workplace, be professional – Be professional in your dressing, attitude, speech and relationship with colleagues. It is not professional to use curse words in the office or have a scandalous dress sense. After all, having a bad boss doesn’t automatically make you an ex-convict.

Punctuality still says a lot about you, keep at it – Make it a duty to get to work on time, not only does it show seriousness about your job, it also puts you in a good light with superiors. People notice seemingly subtle things as an employee’s  constant lateness to work and you really don’t want to be noticed for the wrong things.

Humility is not overrated – Sometimes, the problem is not your boss, it’s you. perhaps your boss would be more reasonable with you if you listened more. Listening is a very core workplace skill, without which miscommunication ensues. You can’t know it all so stop acting like you do, listen to instructions carefully and get as much clarity on the matter before carrying out the instruction.

A sharp response won’t solve the problem – If your boss says or does something you find really annoying,  don’t be quick to give a response; a simple mental exercise of counting one to three can do the trick. Learn to control your emotions, it’s a wise thing to do. It’s alright to be angry but remain calm, remember not to hit or speak. Regulate your tone of voice to sound sweet or at best professional instead of bitter or resentful.

Be cooperative – When given an instruction to carry out, do it without complaining unless (for good reason) you have to say no.

Don’t gripe about your boss with your colleagues – you might be itching to let off some steam by telling someone about your experience with your boss but in your best interest, avoid getting involved in office gossips. Those small talks may find their way into your boss’ ears and that would mean more trouble.  Either change the topic or leave the place if you can.

Be generous with sincere compliments – When any opportunity arises to speak to your boss directly, give a sincere compliment, not flattery. Be sincere, simple and straightforward. Try to gather your facts before you speak so you won’t seem biased or judgemental; failing to do this is an even quicker way to get enlisted in your boss’ black book.
An angry boss might not necessarily be a mean and downright destructive one, your boss might just be struggling through a personal crisis (family, health, you name it)  and takes the pain out on you, he probably doesn’t like it too so don’t go home every night dreaming up a 5-week plan to get him out of your life; take the extra step to know him or give him some time, he’ll come around.

What are your suggestions for dealing with a bad boss?