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What are some tips for getting along with a difficult boss?

Home » Human Resources » Dealing with Difficult People: Your Boss » What are some tips for getting along with a difficult boss?

Obviously, it depends on what kind of difficult boss you’re working for, what part you have in the problem (yes, it could have something to do with you!), and the specific situation. But overall, the following tips could help make your work life a bit more comfortable:


  • Meet with your boss regularly. Set up a time, either weekly or monthly, to chat with your boss. Bring him up-to-date on what you’ve been doing, ask for feedback, clarify projects, etc. Ask your boss what he expects from you, and let him know what you expect, whether it’s respect, adequate time to finish a project, or feedback to know how you’re doing. Regularly meeting with your boss will show that you care about your job, will give you face time, and will help clarify areas that need improvement or that he hasn’t been clear about.
  • Focus on the problem. Remember, it’s not personal, it’s just business. Or at least it should be. Try to solve the problem itself, not your boss overall. It will help you both focus on a solution, not on each other, and should help improve your attitude toward your boss.
  • Keep your cool. It’s easy to respond in kind when someone treats you poorly. But blowing up, yelling, sulking, or speaking rudely won’t improve the situation. It’ll only make you stoop to your boss’s level, and that won’t solve the problem.
  • Report abuse. If the problem stems from a boss who curses at you, threatens you, or physically or sexually harasses you, report him or her. You don’t have to take it.
  • Go over his head. If you’ve tried to no avail to make things work you’re your boss, you might have to speak with HR or with your boss’s superior to get something done. You don’t have to be nasty about it; just let them know about the problem, and ask for assistance in solving it. Handle this delicately, because it could backfire when/if your boss finds out you took this approach. This is a last resort.
  • Ask to be transferred. If it’s possible, and you’ve exhausted every other avenue, ask for a transfer to another department.
  • Seek another job. If no transfer is available, and you’ve done everything you can, it might be time to seek another job. Just remember that there are times that the known evil (your boss) is better than the unknown evil (another bad boss at a different job, or other “evils” you may encounter that are even worse).



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