When a fresher joins MNC, he is usually made to report to a senior who is designated as his mentor. But what happens when a mentor turns into an authoritarian custodian? Many new recruits embrace the work life as their window to many opportunities and healthy competition. However, in some cases, fresher has to report to a boss who doesn’t want him to grow beyond a certain point. This starts affecting the freshers output. In an extreme case he may quit his cushy job!
Here is what you need to do to handle the situation carefully…
LOOK WITHIN
In many cases, ‘I have a bad boss’ is just a perception problem! There are chances that his criticism may be genuine and valid. Be objective and give yourself time before jumping to conclusions. Check passively if it’s just you who is having a problem or there are others in the offices who feel the same.
FOCUS ON WORK
Make your work and not him the focus of all your energies. It will help you deal with him much more objectively. Your super bosses don’t know you much and they will judge you mainly by your work. So do not let your work suffer. In some cases, your boss may have a direct stake in getting the work done faster. This may be the best way to build a smoother relationship.
COMMUNICATE
Meeting over coffee or lunch outside the office may be even better, If you are sure your boss is purposely giving you a tough time. Ask for a frank feedback about your work and your shortcomings. Express the challenges / problems that you are facing at work without getting personal.
DISAGREE, BUT DON’T CONTRADICT
At times, your boss may be wrong and you right. But there are ways to handle it tactfully. Avoid contradicting him, especially in meetings. Express your disagreement, but professionally, without sounding personal. Constant contradiction will only worsen the situation.
TALK TO YOUR SUPER BOSSES
This is one of the last options. Seek advice from any of your boss’ peers to understand the best way to deal with the issue. They would know and understand office politics much better than you at your level.
QUIT BUT ONLY IF YOU MUST
Running away from a problem is never a solution. Faced with such a situation one would want to quit and go. And if the situation is out of your control and if there isn’t much hope from your immediate or super bosses you can consider quitting. Also, if pushing yourself out of home every morning seems like a punishment — perhaps moving out may be the best option.
Here is what you need to do to handle the situation carefully…
LOOK WITHIN
In many cases, ‘I have a bad boss’ is just a perception problem! There are chances that his criticism may be genuine and valid. Be objective and give yourself time before jumping to conclusions. Check passively if it’s just you who is having a problem or there are others in the offices who feel the same.
FOCUS ON WORK
Make your work and not him the focus of all your energies. It will help you deal with him much more objectively. Your super bosses don’t know you much and they will judge you mainly by your work. So do not let your work suffer. In some cases, your boss may have a direct stake in getting the work done faster. This may be the best way to build a smoother relationship.
COMMUNICATE
Meeting over coffee or lunch outside the office may be even better, If you are sure your boss is purposely giving you a tough time. Ask for a frank feedback about your work and your shortcomings. Express the challenges / problems that you are facing at work without getting personal.
DISAGREE, BUT DON’T CONTRADICT
At times, your boss may be wrong and you right. But there are ways to handle it tactfully. Avoid contradicting him, especially in meetings. Express your disagreement, but professionally, without sounding personal. Constant contradiction will only worsen the situation.
TALK TO YOUR SUPER BOSSES
This is one of the last options. Seek advice from any of your boss’ peers to understand the best way to deal with the issue. They would know and understand office politics much better than you at your level.
QUIT BUT ONLY IF YOU MUST
Running away from a problem is never a solution. Faced with such a situation one would want to quit and go. And if the situation is out of your control and if there isn’t much hope from your immediate or super bosses you can consider quitting. Also, if pushing yourself out of home every morning seems like a punishment — perhaps moving out may be the best option.
