Know How to Deal with a Difficult Boss Remotely
Feb. 2024
By NTI
If you have a great boss, consider yourself very fortunate. You know how easier your work life is because they are in charge, giving you direction and supporting you every step of the way. This is especially important when you are working remotely and don’t have the face-to-face contact.
On the other hand, there are bosses who don’t exactly fall into the “great boss” category. For those bosses, it would be easy to brush them off as the higher-ups problem, but that’s not the case. You have to deal with them.
“You really have to develop a relationship with your boss,” said Alan Hubbard, NTI’s Chief Operating Officer. “This is where your personal skills come in. You have to figure out how you can best work with your boss and help them meet their goals and requirements.”
There are different kinds of bosses you are going to run into at work whether it is an onsite or remote position. If you get the above-mentioned great bosses, they are going to take an active interest in your work life and be supportive.
These bosses realize that it is a benefit all around to teach and empower their employees to do the best they can for the company.
“This type of boss is very confident in their own skills,” said Hubbard. “You can tell because they are listening to you and taking pride in your success and accomplishments.”
With those bosses, the best advice is to listen, learn and work hard, but that’s not the case when you end up with a more difficult boss.
“That’s where you have to work hard to make sure you are doing your job well and getting recognized for your efforts,” said Hubbard. “Sometimes, it can be a case where the boss is learning to be a manager after being an employee. You can actually help them grow into the position.”
Fortune magazine put together a list of boss types people have dealt with. The “2018 Managing Difficult Bosses Survey” identified the “Clueless Chameleon” as being the most difficult to deal with. The traits of this boss are they don’t know what they are doing, but they expect you to know what they want you to be doing for them. They may also be thinking they are giving you directions, but they are not.
“This can be a difficult thing to deal with,” said Hubbard. “It can be frustrating to play ‘the guess what they are telling me to do game’ or worrying that you are going to be blamed for what happened. This is especially difficult if you are working remotely.”
“Instead of getting frustrated, one thing you can do is to present your own ideas with a game plan on how to make it happen. The boss then has options to choose from. This makes it easier for them, and you aren’t playing the guessing game” said Hubbard.
Another boss type to deal with is the absentee boss. Often this person has been in the position for a long time and feels like they have things under control and don’t need to be there.
While the micro managers are usually the ones employees have difficulty dealing with because they feel the pressure of having someone in their face all the time, the absentee boss can cause all kinds of problems.
“It can be frustrating because you don’t feel you are getting the guidance and support you need,” said Hubbard. “Again, though, it comes down to you using your personal skills to develop relationships.”
Here are some specific tips to help you deal with a difficult boss.
Maintain Clear Communication: Ensure all you communication is clear, concise, and professional. If necessary, use written communication to keep a record of your interactions.
Document Everything: Keep records of all the instructions, decisions, and problematic communications. This can serve as a reference in case of disputes or misunderstandings.
Set Clear Expectations: Clarify expectations upfront regarding tasks, deadlines, and deliverables. This reduces the likelihood of surprises or last-minute changes.
Be Proactive: Anticipate your boss’s needs and try to address them before they become issues. This proactive approach can help build trust and reduce conflicts. This will become easier as you become more familiar with your boss and their habits.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback on your work. This demonstrates your willingness to improve and can help you better understand your boss’s expectations. It will also prevent being caught off guard about a negative performance review.
Stay Calm and Professional: Even if your boss is difficult, maintain a professional demeanor. Avoid reacting emotionally, especially in written communications. This might require you take a moment to think about your response before your hit send on that follow-up email.
Focus on Solutions: When problems arise, focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the issues themselves. Offer constructive suggestions if you can.
Build Allies: Cultivate relationships with colleagues and stakeholders who might provide support or perspective on the situation. Knowing if others are experiencing the same challenges as you, can allow you to share tips on how to be successful in the future.
Know When to Escalate: If the situation becomes untenable or if you feel mistreated, consider escalating the issue to HR or higher management. Document instances of misconduct if necessary.
Take Care of Yourself: Dealing with a difficult boss can be stressful. Make sure to take breaks, practice self-care, and seek support from friends, family, or mentors.
Dealing with a difficult boss remotely requires patience, resilience, and a strategic approach to maintain professionalism and productivity.
NTI helps Americans with disabilities and their caregivers find at-home employment with free training and job placement services. You can register at www.nticentral.org.