Oh, you hate your boss (too)?

Posted by on Jul 29, 2012 in Default | Comments Off

Recently a prospect came to speak to us (now our client) seeking professional career coaching and told us this scenario:

“I am a graduate with close to 2 years of practical experience in a large construction firm. I had the chance to be promoted. Frankly the money’s not bad. The work environment also resembles that of a family. More importantly, I get to use the skills and knowledge from my tertiary education.”

For a minute, I thought he is in the wrong place until he says:

“But I hate my boss and I really could not stand working with her.  I want to leave my workplace immediately and so,  could you help me?”

If you hate your boss, write down the things you hate about her,” Ms. Rosenberg said. Do you like what you do, but dislike your colleagues or boss, or do you despise the actual tasks? Try to separate it out.

Then write down all the things you like about your job, and again, “nothing” is not a satisfactory answer. “Try to find something positive, even if it’s just the neighborhood you work in or the view from your window,” she said.

You can turn this relationship around quickly and easily. The trick is to  take the first step and you will start to feel more comfortable.

  1. Stop sharing the negative things about your boss with your work
    colleagues. Sharing negative stuff about your boss only alarms your colleagues
    that you feel the same way about them too. Instead focus on all the positive
    things that your boss does. You are going to shelve the negative from now on.
  2. Do something stunning that gets everyone talking. What could you do
    that generates some excitement?
  3. Give your boss something he/she can visualise. Begin to highlight
    your value and worth to your boss. If there has been a 10% increase in sales
    this month, send a memo out letting your boss and colleagues know about it.
  4. Focus on your boss’s need more. Ask your boss each week, ‘What could
    I do this week to make your job easier?’ Let the tension between the two of you
    dissolve by focusing on what is important.