How to Deal With a Negative Boss

No matter where you are in your career, or the industry in which you work, you may report to a manager who is difficult and rarely in a good mood. At times, all this negativity hampers your own morale and productivity in the office. It’s important to deal with problems like this in a professional matter – remember, it’s your career.

Here are a few tips on how to handle a negative boss. Use this advice to stay positive and treat any conflicts in a positive manner. Keeping your career on the right path needs to be your goal.

Don’t Let the Negativity Affect Your Work

The most important thing about handling a negative boss is to simply not let it affect your work. Stay engaged, focused and productive and try to get your co-workers to feel the same way. Showing this kind of leadership may get you noticed by your manager’s boss.

Try to Limit Your Interactions as Much as Possible

Make it a point to limit your interactions with your manager, especially if they tend to siphon your morale. Depending on the nature of your work, this might be difficult. Keeping your head down and focused on your daily task list is the smartest approach.

Your Boss Doesn’t Have All the Answers

Remember, managers aren’t infallible. In fact, most managerial best practices clearly explain that negativity is a poor approach when inspiring your direct reports to do their best. So be generous with your ideas on how to improve productivity in the office when relevant. They just might see the light and implement your idea.

Identify Your Manager’s Triggers

When your boss is quick to anger, talk with some of your trusted co-workers to identify their trigger points. This makes it easier to avoid outbursts in the future. Timeliness and paying closer attention to the details is probably the right approach with this kind of manager.

Avoiding Poor Bosses in the Future

When it comes time to look for a new position, pay close attention to the company culture when researching potential employers. Companies known for a positive and welcoming office culture typically don’t employ negative managers. This makes it easier to avoid these kinds of situations in the future.

When you need advice on finding a great new job, speak with the team at Peyton Resource Group. As one of the top general staffing agencies in the Southwest, we know the companies looking for talented professionals. Connect with us soon!

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