Bearing with the boss

Going to work should never be a drag, considering that we spend so much time in the workplace. If anything, it should be fulfilling, enjoyable and satisfying. 

But damaged work relationships can turn even the most satisfying jobs into a living hell. Many people tend to lose their drive because of a boss who never gives them the credit they deserve, even when they are top performers. In such cases, people tend to think the easy way out is to quit. But the reality is, if you have a family to take care of and bills to pay, quitting is not an option. So how do you cope with the situation?

In most cases, when you and your boss don’t get along, there is a root cause to your conflict. Experts say such conflict arises from many causes, and it is usually because both parties refuse to see past their own points of view. That’s where a good mediator can come in to find common ground by viewing the conflict in an objective way and taking the other party’s perspective into consideration. Sometimes you and your boss can see eye-to-eye, but your relationship may be lacking because you feel your salary is not high enough to meet your basic needs or you have worked for years without a raise.

Before taking any action, evaluate and identify the causes of the conflict. What are they and when did they first appear? By identifying causes, solutions often present themselves. By pinpointing a time when the negative behaviour started, there’s often a starting point for resolution. As an employee, what actions could you have taken to avoid or minimise the conflict? It’s very easy to blame the boss when you haven’t exactly been the star employee yourself. If you unintentionally contributed to the conflict and could have done something to avoid it, admit it. Then take action to fix your mistakes. In most cases, both personal and professional events affect your conduct at work.

Talk to your boss about the things they do that make it difficult for you to do your work and enjoy it.

While talking, be sensitive. Try to come to a solution together as to how this can work for both of you. Speaking to your boss can often feel very intimidating and you may fear the consequences if your boss gets upset. An idea would be to enlist the help of your boss’s manager or your HR department by letting them know about the situation. Another option is to request a transfer to another department.  It is advisable not to argue unnecessarily. Superiors often hate being proved wrong, especially in the company of subordinates.

Make your work life a happy one. Happy employees result in happy and productive workplaces. While it’s important to go for what you need, remember that there is no price to happiness.

Nikiwe Titus