Getting along with your boss

If you’re lucky, your boss can be someone who you work seamlessly with. The two of you could form a formidable team and enjoy a lot of success together. Then again, you could also have the stereotypical nightmare of a boss that tests your sanity and disagrees with you at every turn.

I myself have experienced both sides of the spectrum, and a few in between. I have worked for a complete tyrant who took joy in punishing her management team and a desire to micromanage, and I have also worked for a few bosses who were a joy to work with.

Even if you are stuck in the worst case scenario, all is not lost. Many professionals quit their companies after such an experience. But I stuck through mine, mostly due to my stubbornness and refusal to lose at anything I do in life.

You may not have the type of patience and desire to prove someone wrong that I possess, however. And that’s perfectly ok. There are things you can do from day one or starting tomorrow that can affect how your working experience goes from here on out.

The first thing to remember is to always respect their opinion. Your boss got to their position for a reason. Whether it was a good reason or not (maybe they are just friends with someone up the ladder), you can’t change the fact that they are there. Well, unless you have something really good on them.

The second thing is to show an interest in what they do and say. Pay the ultimate respect. Everyone has a good idea sometimes, so give them credit for it. Not to say that you should brown nose, but just give credit where credit is due.

Next, show an interest in them as a human being. Don’t let your hatred for them make you ignore the fact that they have good times and bad times just like anyone else. At least show a little remorse when they have a problem, and even offer to help them.

Finally, just do your job and do it well. There is no secret remedy for anything in the business world, tough boss included. The best solution for any problem you have is to just be the best darn leader you can be. That way even if your boss doesn’t like you, they have to respect what you bring to the table. And maybe your lack of job performance is why they don’t like you to begin with!

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