How to Appreciate a Demanding Boss

If you’ve been working for a while, you may have encountered a demanding boss in your professional life. Dealing with tough individuals or situations requires a great amount of confidence and patience. It is important to understand why the individual is being demanding. Some bosses might take a tough stance just to help the overall growth of the company, or for the improvement of their employees. In the current times, when there is a need for people to work well together, there is a fine line between engaging with employees and fawning over them. Sometimes, it is crucial to identify which kind of boss you work under and to appreciate them for being themselves. In the case of difficult bosses much like Miranda Priestly from Devil Wears Prada, a few things could help.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Speaking up and communicating allows you to not only understand your own needs, but also to understand others’ perspectives. This is also an excellent way to express how you prefer to be treated.

Clear the air within your work environment. Establish open lines of communication among your peers and your superiors. This will only lead to better brainstorming sessions and high level of productivity. That’s how you make your demanding boss, happy! A tough boss tends to communicate and let others know what they exactly need. This should be appreciated as it helps you meet the expectations more effectively.

Communicate!

No assumptions please

The next essential thing to do is to understand your boss and her/his nature. Tough bosses can make employees stronger. Instead of cribbing about the workload and tight deadlines, understand your role in the context of the organization as a whole. Understanding the needs of the boss might help in figuring out the factors that might be making them angry in particular situations. At the end of the day, the main focus needs to be on getting a grasp of the task at hand and excelling at your job. Even if it might be tough to chat with your difficult boss about the weather and family, make sure you know what kind of work they are expecting from you. Be mindful of the quality of your work. And, always meet deadlines set by your “difficult boss.”

Helping hand

As bizarre as it may sound, it is important to note that at times not everything concerns you. Show support and be helpful. This is a positive sign that the team is working with the leader. A few encouraging words and a little assistance can help an individual overcome the most difficult tasks and can foster a more cordial working environment as well.

Appreciate and recognise

No matter how tough a leader is, there is a lot you can learn from them. Recognising the learning potential in your relationship with the boss will make you a better leader one day. Become a reliable employee and show that you can take on responsibility. Exhibit that you’re one of the best employees who doesn’t need much hand-holding. Make work easier for your boss!

Be concise

Managers and bosses are busy people. Value their time and make sure all your conversations with them are fruitful and concise. Even if it is a challenge that you’re facing, go in with a list of solutions. That way your boss knows that you’re resourceful and motivated. If your tone is longwinding and complaining – your difficult boss may not have the time to hear how overwhelmed you are with work. She/he might see it as excuses and question your competence. Irrespective of the kind of boss you work for, from Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep in Devil wears Prada) to Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway in The Intern), appreciating them for their efforts is key. In a lot of ways these bosses help us change and improve several aspects of our lives. They have the power to change our perspectives for the better. Sometimes, being a tough professional in the real world requires you to develop a thick-skin. And, tough bosses help us do just that!

Having said that, it’s important to recognise that no two bosses or situations are the same. We need to be as proactive as possible and try to make the best of the situation, whilst also not tolerating a negative work environment. If you’re surrounded by toxicity and negativity at your workplace that refuses to go away, it may be time to let your boss know. If it doesn’t work out, then of course, it’s time to switch. Head over to iimjobs.com!