One of the most stressful workplace experiences is having to deal with a boss who has lost their temper. Jennifer Areola has three bits of advice that can de-escalate an unpleasant situation
Some time ago Civility Partners shared five simple tips on how to deal with an angry boss, and the response was overwhelming.
So we decided to research 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 per cent 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.
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 empathise 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 10, or excuse yourself for a moment to gather your thoughts.
It’s important to keep in mind that, while your boss’s behaviour 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 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 organisation.
This approach can also help to build a stronger relationship with your boss, as it shows 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 prioritise your own wellbeing 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 wellbeing are important, and you deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment.
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.
*Jennifer Areola manages Civility Partners’ marketing needs. In addition, she writes blog posts, conducts research and helps the organisation with one-off internal projects.
This article first appeared on the Civility Partners website.
