My superior always uses a condescending tone when talking to me – how can I deal with a boss like him?

Get red-carpet ready with these easy tips!

My superior always uses a condescending tone when talking to me – how can I deal with a boss like him? – Janice, 25

Thursday, 05 July 2012 15:27

If you feel like your boss is using a tone that makes you feel like you’re being spoken down to – like a child or a new employee who has no idea what she’s doing, you’re not alone. Here are a few ways to deal with the problem in a professional manner.

1. Reassess the situation

Take a step back and try and look at your situation with an honest, unbiased point-of-view. Consider other factors – could it be that you’re being a little too sensitive? After all in business, busy people aren’t always as nice as we’d like them to be. Most of the time they’re more focused on facts rather than feelings. Rather than a nicer boss, what you may need instead is a tougher shell.

2. Opt for a face-to-face

Consider that you may be misinterpreting the tone, which is easy to do especially at the beginning of a new working relationship. Since tone can be difficult to read over email or phone,try to interact face-to-face as much as possible, even if you know the person well.

3. Make it known

If you feel that your boss is completely unaware of the impact his tone has on others, then try alerting it to him in a tactful, non-confrontational discussion. Practice what you have to say ahead of time so you don’t end up getting emotional. Be specific about the problem and ask for a specific change you’d like to see.

4. Remember: It’s nothing personal

More often than not, your boss’s erratic behaviour isn't about you. Try and figure our what’s causing the behaviour. Sometimes people just have annoying character traits. Take comfort in the fact that you can be the bigger person and see that it’s their issue and not yours.

5. Maintain your composure

Focus on keeping your cool, even if you feel put down. Don’t let your boss’s bad attitude ruin your day or your self-worth. Respond to rudeness with kindness and you’ll not only make yourself feel better – you may lift the other person’s mood as well.

5. Don’t let the fact that he’s a mean boss affect you

So maybe your boss thinks you’re an idiot – but you should never let yourself think you’re one. You’ve got this job and there’s a reason you’re there. So step up and prove him that he’s wrong by demonstrating your knowledge and capabilities. By constantly delivering consistent results, he won’t have a good enough reason to be mean to you.

Image source: Fun Advice

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Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 July 2012 15:50 )

COMMENTS (1)

voice out your concern to your boss.

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