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How to Professionally Deal With a Difficult Boss

Jamie Bridenstine
Kaitlyn Suppes
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Wyoming chapter.

The first thing to mention before you start reading this, is that I would never say these things to a future employer. I highly recommend you do the same, because that potential employer could think, “Wow, is this person rude or what? They’re talking bad about their boss, what if they did the same to me once they leave my organization?”

 

Pro tip. Make sure you say nice things about a past employer.

 

That being said, here are some professional ways to dealing with a difficult superior in the workplace.

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1. Identify why they are being horrible.

Maybe they were born with it. Or maybe they just have a rough life. Truth is, you don’t know what’s happening in their personal life, and that could be affecting their work.

 

2. Be nice.

Momma always taught me to be nice to everyone. And sometimes you’ve gotta be nice to the mean people. If you’re nice, you increase your chances of getting a raise.

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3. Don’t talk bad about the boss to another employee that you don’t trust.

A listening ear is also a running mouth. That employee may actually like your boss, and the outcome is self-explanatory.

 

4. If you do talk, make sure there is no one else around.

If you and another employee feel the same about your superior, that’s great. But make sure no one else is around, especially your superior.

 

5. Talk to an immediate supervisor that has an influence on your boss.

In some cases, you may have to jump a rod on the ladder. In some instances, it’s best to go to your boss’s supervisor and let them know what’s going on.

 

6. Don’t let it affect your work.

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Your job is the most important factor here, because it influences your pay. You may just have to ignore what is going on around you. Workplace stress can take a toll on your performance at work, so don’t let it do that!

 

7. Identify what makes your boss angry, but don’t make them more angry

Try not to push their buttons (even though it’s really fun). You will just be adding fuel to the flames.

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8. Set boundaries

If possible, and if you are a confident cookie, have a meeting with your boss and explain what’s going on. They may be doing something and they don’t realize it. If you recognize the problem early on, talk with your superior. A possible outcome to that would be developed trust, and you could alleviate the problem before it gets worse.

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“Sometimes you want to have a very productive Saturday to feel that you are in control of your life, which of course you are not.” -Tina Fey, Bossypants Jamie Bridenstine... How do I even begin to explain Jamie Bridenstine. Jamie Bridenstine is flawless. She has two Fendi purses and a silver Lexus. I hear her hair's insured for $10,000. I hear she does car commercials... in Japan. Her favorite movie is Varsity Blues. One time, she met John Stamos on a plane. And he told her she was pretty. One time, she punched me in the face. It was awesome. Jamie Bridenstine is a 4th year undergrad at the University of Wyoming, earning her B.A. in Communication and a minor in Military Science. Her favorite move is Mean Girls... and any movie with Tina Fey in it. She enjoys deep conversations about politics, procrastinating on group projects, and watching The Office over and over again. Jamie has the cutest dog in the world, Timber, and is ready to take on the world after college. She will be heading up to Washington after graduation to pursue her career in the military... and hopefully her graduate degree in Public Relations.
Kaitlyn is a recent grad the University of Wyoming, where she got her degree in Marketing. She has been the Campus Correspondent for a Pink level chapter, a Chapter Advisor to some amazing chapters, and now has the pleasure of being a Region Leader. Born and raised on the Western Slope of Colorado, her love for nature and the outdoors comes naturally. Kaitlyn lives for football season, but finds way to stay preoccupied during the off-season. She enjoys long walks in the mountains, beer as cold as her heart, and bacon on her burgers. You can follow Kaitlyn’s adventures on Instagram, @kaysoup.