Dealing with a stressful boss
Improving our understanding about diverse personalities or management styles can make it easier to work for people who are different than us . For example, some people speak fast when others speak very slowly; some people talk high level when others share a lot of detail.
Take a step back and try to understand the bigger picture of what they’re managing on a daily basis. Maybe they’re stressed out or having trouble coping .
They may be going through a rough patch, not feeling themselves or may not be aware of an ongoing challenge that’s being created for you. Talk to them about what you notice in an objective way, be kind and don’t make it personal (or take it personally yourself).
It’s important to take care of yourself and to take time to recover when you’re feeling stress .
It’s also important to understand what your manager can do to help reduce your stress responses, so you can have a positive conversation with them.
In a respectful conversation with your manager, clearly state what they can do (or how they can communicate differently) to help you stay motivated and feeling positive.
If the issue can’t be resolved, or you don’t feel safe speaking with your manager, reach out for help. This can be to a trusted friend for advice, or you can contact HR, speak to your manager’s leader or reach out to a professional through your Employee and Family Assistance Program or in your community.