A few years ago, we shared five simple tips on how to deal with an angry boss, and the response was overwhelming! We’re back with even more tips to help you navigate this challenging situation with civility in mind.
According to a survey conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute, managers and bosses represent a staggering 65% of people who bully in the workplace. That number is far too high, and it’s time to equip yourself with the tools needed to deal with it.
Three Tips for Dealing with an Angry Boss
Dealing with an angry boss can be one of the most challenging aspects of the workplace. When tempers flare, it can be difficult to navigate the situation without escalating the issue or damaging the relationship between employee and boss. To help you keep your cool in these situations, we’ve compiled three more brilliant tips for dealing with an angry boss.
Keep Your Emotions in Check
While it’s important to empathize with an angry boss, it’s equally important to keep your own emotions in check. Responding with anger or frustration can escalate the situation and make it harder to resolve. Instead, remain calm and professional, and try to approach the situation from a rational perspective.
Remain cool, and collected, no matter how your boss is behaving. Take deep breaths, count to ten, or excuse yourself for a moment to gather your thoughts. It’s important to keep in mind that, while your boss’s behavior may feel personal, there could be underlying stressors or challenges that have nothing to do with you.
Stay Solution-Focused
When dealing with an angry boss, it’s important to focus on finding a solution rather than dwelling on the problem. Avoid getting bogged down in the details of what went wrong or who’s to blame.
Instead, try to focus on finding a way forward. This means working collaboratively with your boss to identify ways to address the issue and prevent it from happening again in the future. By demonstrating a willingness to work towards a solution, you can show your boss that you’re committed to the success of the team and the organization. This approach can also help to build a stronger relationship with your boss, as it shows that you’re focused on the bigger picture and willing to put in the effort to improve the workplace for everyone.
Set Boundaries
If your boss’s angry outbursts are becoming a regular occurrence, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself and set healthy boundaries. It’s not your responsibility to tolerate any form of mistreatment, and you should prioritize your own well-being above all else.
Consider talking to someone in HR or a higher-up about the situation. They can provide guidance and support, and they may be able to help you address the issue in a constructive way. If that’s not possible, find ways to limit your interactions with your boss, such as delegating tasks to a colleague or communicating via email instead of in-person. Remember, your mental health and well-being are important, and you deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment.
Bonus Tip
Don’t hesitate to seek support and training. As consultants and trainers dedicated to creating positive work environments for all, we understand the challenges that come with dealing with an angry boss. That’s why we offer specialized coaching and training programs to help employees and leaders navigate these difficult situations with confidence and professionalism.
Our team of experts has years of experience coaching abrasive leaders and turning around negative work cultures, and our CEO, Catherine Mattice’s course, provides valuable insights on Handling Workplace Bullying and it’s free for 24 hours!
We’re committed to supporting your company’s growth and success by providing the resources and support needed to create a positive and productive work environment for everyone. If you’d like to learn more about our coaching program designed specifically for abrasive, aggressive, or toxic leaders, snag our ebook, Abrasive Leaders & How to Stop Them: A Coaching Method that Works (which we offered in our previous article).
Reach out to us and learn how we can help you deal with an angry boss and promote a healthier workplace culture. Navigate difficult situations with confidence and professionalism, and help create a more positive work environment for everyone.
Written by: Jennifer Areola
