Save Your Job And Set Your Boss Straight
There is a reason why we have two ears and only one mouth. It's so that we can listen more than we talk. We never learn things when we speak because what comes out of our mouths are things we already know. However, when we listen, we can learn an awful lot.
Okay, so why do we want to be a good listener as far as our boss is concerned? There are several reasons, many relating to some of the things we've already discussed in this series.
For starters, by listening to what your boss says, you get an insight into his actual character. People say certain things depending on the kind of person they are. A defensive person will act one way when confronted. An irrational person will act another way. Learn to hear what your boss is saying so that you can get an idea of what kind of person they are. That is your foundation for dealing with your boss further down the road.
Let's now take the tactic of getting your boss to agree with you. In order to do this, you need to find out what is weak spots are, assuming he has any. The only way to do this is to listen to what he says. For example, let's say a weakness of your boss is that he's getting close to retirement and says things like "I'm 5 years from a gold watch. I don't need to have to deal with idiots like you." Most people will focus on the fact that they were just called an idiot. YOU should focus on that he is looking forward to retirement and find a way to appeal to that side. You can only do that by listening.
In throwing down the challenge, prior to this, your boss probably gave you all the reasons why things have to be done HIS way. In order to counter this, you have to listen to what those reasons are. That way, it gives you the ammo you need to write out your counter proposal.
Bottom line is this. If you don't listen, you can't develop a plan of attack for winning your boss over.
Now lets put all of this together into a coherent plan of attack.
Absolutely the very first thing you need to do, regardless of your work situation, is to listen to what your boss says. You need to understand how your boss thinks and what pushes his buttons. What's important to him? With some bosses, it's all about the power. With others, all they want is a paycheck. With some, it's security and an employee's incompetence could jeopardize that security, which is what might cause the boss to lash out. Whatever the reason, you need to listen to your boss and observe his actions in order to figure out how to deal with him.
Once you've done that, everything that comes next is dependent on what you've just learned. If it turns out that your boss is on a power trip, you might need to pull out the challenge. Tell him that you'd like a chance to do it YOUR way and if it doesn't work, you'll leave or do whatever he wants. This can give him a lot of power over you if he's right and most likely, he'll take you up on your offer.
If you're boss seems insecure, get to know him as a person. Talk about his family. Ask him what his interests are. Appeal to him as a fellow human being rather than as an employee. Some people won't respond to this, but unless the guy is an absolute monster, there is a good chance that he'll come around.
Whatever you find out from listening, don't argue with your boss. It's not going to lead anywhere good. Put together a rational plan of discussion. Ask questions. Get to the bottom of what it is your boss REALLY wants.
Ultimately, this comes down to developing people skills. If most people would just stop and think before they opened their mouths, most problems could be avoided.
However, if the relationship with your boss has already reached the point of no return, you need to know what your worker's rights are and how to get the most out of them.
Nobody should have to put up with an abusive boss.
Questions and Answers
Article Tags:
hostile workplace
,workplace hostile
,hostile environment workplace
,hostile workplace environment
Sometimes, it can seem as though your boss is intent on starting arguments with you at every turn. Everything you do can seem to set them off, to the point that you are avoiding having any kind of contact with them to avoid the potential conflict. When it comes to any...
Harassment at work is a form of employee discrimination. There are many forms of workplace harassment with varying degrees of seriousness and legal implication. While it is a violation of the 1964 Civil Rights act, workplace harassment can often be difficult to prove in a court of law. This can lead to questions on sites like JustAnswer. Below are five of the most common questions that have been asked.
By its very definition, workplace harassment is an act or instance of disturbing, pestering or troubling repeatedly. These events are unwelcome in nature and can cause a significant amount of anxiety, especially if the harassment is taking place at work.
A respectful workplace environment has a direct impact on employee productivity and employee retention. A respectful workplace environment is highly instrumental in preventing the chances of sexual harassment which is continually on the rise.
Clever communication techniques are required in the workplace where many different messages have to be communicated on a daily basis. All these messages compete with each other to get attention and to be heard. This article covers over forty clever communication techniques to get your message across within your company.
Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) now requires employers to take actions related to Workplace Violence and Harassment. PHS Solutions can help you prepare.
Teaching English abroad in Vietnam is a unique experience for anyone who seeks to explore a beautiful country with a rich heritage. You may find people who say that it is not difficult to find jobs in Saigon, but the converse is true. It depends on where and how you conduct your search.
Thailand is a beautiful country with an expanding opportunity to teachers seeking opportunities to travel and teach. The steady demand for native English speakers means that any confident applicant with basic teaching skills can secure employment without difficulties.
Doctor jobs are growing in demand. Canadian research discovered that over four million Canadians lack a family physician Because four million Canadians don't have a family physician, the need for physicians is enormous Provinces throughout Canada are desperate to fill these vacancies.
Although Singapore is an island nation, it has grown to become a modern and efficient first world model country in Asia too. The infrastructure is remarkable and education sector largely successful.
Malaysia is a beautiful country with a thriving tourism industry. Like other emerging countries in Asia, the education sector spurs the knowledge-based economy. The education reforms have been instrumental in producing a quality workforce that satisfies the professional demands of various industries.
Workplace harassment comes in many forms and colors. Typically speaking, harassment can be deemed as any unwelcome, seemingly discriminate and untoward conduct that occurs in the workplace, which any reasonable employee should not have to typically endure. It should be noted that workplace harassment must typically fall into several categories...
In this article we're going to go over three things you need to do to keep your job. 1. Get Your Boss To Agree With You 2. Throw Down The Challenge 3. Admit Mistakes How to get your boss to agree with you. Admittedly, this takes some skill, and some bosses are never going to...
Discuss this Article
