When your alarm goes off on Monday morning, what is your first thought about work?

Do you go, oh boy here we go again? If you are no longer zealous and go through your day at work with drooping shoulders, you stare at the clock wishing the hours away due to the difficulty your boss presents, this is for you.

The big question is, how do you survive a difficult boss? When dealing with a difficult boss, consider the work situation as a challenging puzzle that you have to solve. Just as a difficult puzzle can be frustrating but ultimately rewarding when you figure it out. Overcoming obstacles in a tough work environment can help you grow and develop new skills.

Here are some strategies to help you thrive under a difficult boss:

1. Identify the level of difficulty you are dealing with.

Let us get this fallacy off the table, not all difficult bosses are toxic. To get to the bottom of the matter and identify the root cause, is your boss a hard-to-please person or are they toxic? For the former, you can find solutions to make the work environment a little better. After all, problems are part of life. As for the latter, you could resort to diplomacy or seek help from a higher authority. If it doesn't work then, it may be time to be on the lookout for other work opportunities. For the sake of your mental and physical health, drop your job like a bad habit.

2. Understand your boss's work style and ethics.

This is a major strategy to make your work environment more peaceful. Understanding your boss's approach to work and their preferred way of working enables you to work in sync. You can plan yourself better to avoid being reprimanded. Additionally, you can increase your efficiency and effectiveness in completing tasks assigned. It also reduces your chances of getting fired! Not every boss is patient therefore turning in your work without them calling you out for errors showcases your competency. You can ease up on thoughts about your replacement.

3. Do your job meticulously.

In most cases, a hard-to-please boss is very observant. One of the qualities they are known for is attention to detail. This automatically dictates that your work should be of high quality. Before submitting your work, make sure you go through it. Avoid avoidable errors and mistakes. If your work entails numbers make sure your figures are accurate. Look into the presentation of your work. It speaks volumes. When you are not sure about something, seek clarification. High-quality work makes you a reliable asset and is sure to get you in the good graces of your boss.

4. Do not be caught off guard.

In simple terms, do not wait to be asked. Prioritization is a skill. In case your skills are a bit lacking in this department, it is time to take a page out of this book. When a briefing is done, take notes on the tasks assigned to you and the deadlines. Strategize on how you are going to get the work done. Planning tools such as calendars and checklists come in handy. Do not wait until the deadline is looming for you to begin working on the tasks assigned. Worst-case scenario plans change and your boss requires the work before the deadline. Have a checklist whereby you cross out or tick the tasks you have completed. Cultivate a culture of preparedness. Not only does it help you manage your workload but also makes work easier.

5. Ask for a performance improvement plan.

I have a friend who detests the word adequate. Upon inquiry, she confided that her boss would always review her work and comment that it is adequate. She found it irritating therefore she decided to ask her boss why the term adequate was his preferred compliment when it came to her work. The feedback she got was that her work was good but she could do better. I am driven by the fact that feedback goes a long way in improving your work. Feedback does not necessarily have to come from your boss, you could ask colleagues to help you bounce off ideas or to provide constructive criticism on your work. A new eye may reveal areas you missed or areas of improvement. You could also strive to ensure your communication channel with your boss is good. They can relay feedback that you could look into to make your work better next time. My friend did this and the next time her boss reviewed her work, he simply said one word; excellent. She was on cloud nine.

6. Find an outlet.

Dealing with a difficult boss can be challenging therefore finding ways to unwind is very important. Sometimes, you may be pushed to your extreme. What do you do? Maintain professionalism and find an activity that keeps you grounded. It could be self-care, listening to music, taking a walk or just taking time off to relax. I recommend utilizing your weekend to do activities that will make you feel energized for the week. Sometimes all you need might be a listening ear. When you feel unable to meet the demands, find an opportunity to raise your concerns. It could be through your supervisor or having a conversation directly with your boss. I have seen instances whereby bosses do not genuinely understand the magnitude of the work their employees have. If it is an issue of time or resources, they can reconsider and give you options.

If you are familiar with Afrobeats then you probably know the song that is a sensation on Instagram and TikTok, "No wahala" which translates to no problem. The theme of the song is that problems or challenges are always going to be there but that's alright. C'est la vie! A difficult boss shouldn't discourage you. Look at them as an opportunity to polish your skills such that when you transition to the next phase of your job or career, there is no place you cannot work. The reason being you have adapted and you know how to adjust accordingly no matter the work context. You should find your next job as a piece of cake. Good luck.

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