Working with managers you don’t like can be a challenging experience. It can cause stress, affect morale, and impact productivity. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are ten tips to help make the situation more manageable and even enjoyable:
1. Keep your cool:
Regardless of the difficulty, it’s essential to keep your cool and remain professional. Avoid lashing out or retaliating, as this could only worsen the situation.
2. Open Communication:
Try to communicate openly with your manager as much as possible. Ask questions if you need clarification, and express your opinions clearly but respectfully. This will help build an open dialogue and may help to improve the relationship.
3. Respect Boundaries:
It’s important to remember that your manager is in charge, so it’s important to respect their boundaries and adhere to company policies. Showing respect for authority typically will go a long way in any situation.
4. Listen Carefully:
When communicating with your manager, listen carefully and allow them to express themselves thoroughly before responding or offering your opinion. This will show you are taking their thoughts and concerns seriously.
5. Empathize:
Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand where they are coming from – try not to take everything personally, as sometimes they may be having a bad day or feeling stressed. This will help you better understand their perspective and possibly make it easier to work with them.
6. Focus on Solutions:
It is best to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on the problem when dealing with challenging situations. If there is an issue, try to develop constructive ideas to help alleviate the situation.
7. Find Common Ground:
Try to find something you both have in common such as interests or hobbies, and use this as a starting point for conversation. Even if it’s just small talk, this can break the ice and make communication more comfortable between you two, potentially leading to better working relationships.
8. Take Responsibility:
Taking responsibility for your actions and accepting criticism when warranted is essential. This will show that you are willing to learn from mistakes and make changes if needed, which could help the situation in the long run.
9. Speak Up:
If something bothers you, don’t hesitate to speak up and express your feelings respectfully. Communicating your feelings can help bring clarity and understanding, which may alleviate tension or conflict between you.
10. Practice Self-Care:
It’s important to remember to practice self-care while working with challenging managers. Whether this means taking time to relax, going for a walk, or simply venting your frustrations with someone you trust, self-care can help keep you sane and motivated even in the most challenging situations.
Following these tips can improve challenging situations when working with managers you don’t like. Remember that it’s essential to be respectful yet firm when communicating and think about solutions instead of dwelling on the problem. Focus on creating a positive working relationship through understanding and compromise while caring for yourself. With dedication and effort, you can make it work!
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