Whether you can’t stand your boss because of personality conflicts or you love your boss but they did something that makes your blood boil and you’ve just gotta say something about it, there’s going to come a time when you are mad at your boss. If you’re pushed too far you don’t just have to take it. Believe it or not it’s o.k. to not always see eye to eye with the boss. However you do need to act like a grown-up and handle it like a pro – Here’s how:
Don’t throw a temper tantrum – No blowing your top, yelling, slamming doors, cabinets or desk drawers. For that matter, no pouting or sullen looks either, there’s no room in the workplace for that kind of immature behavior – What are you 12?
Do excuse yourself if you’re too livid to think clearly – this is no time to act on your emotions. Keep ‘em too yourself and walk away until you feel you can act rationally again.
Don’t lose perspective. Remember you are here because you are being paid to do a job – not fight a battle royal. The workplace is for doing business – you know customers, products…that sort of thing. It’s not about you…or your boss.
Do put yourself in your boss’s shoes and try to understand where they are coming from. If you really can’t do that, ask them about it. Maybe… just maybe you took things the wrong way, or perhaps there were circumstances you were unaware of. Just be sure to discuss things calmly.
Don’t have it out in public – whatever you do. This could mean you might have to eat some serious crow…publically.
Do attack the problem – never the person. Never criticize or assault someone on a personal level. Instead focus only on the issues at hand, you know like they pay you to do.
Don’t be closed minded. The minute you shut your mind and decide that yours is the only ‘right’ way to see things, you’ve morphed into an overgrown, spoiled child. But if you can remain open and keep your wits about you you’ll manage to do the right thing in a difficult situation.
Do know when to give it up. You’re not going to ‘win’ every battle at work and you’re not always going to agree with the outcome. But in the end you DO need to commit to help the winning plan succeed.