It’s tough to work with a negative boss who always complains, but it’s even worse when that boss constantly puts down other employees. Having a negative boss can be frustrating, especially if you’re the target of their complaints. However, if you’re stuck working for a Negative Nelly, there are some things you can do to try to make the situation more bearable. Here are eight tips:
1. Keep your emotions in check.
When you’re the target of a negative boss’s complaints, it’s easy to let your emotions get the best of you. But it’s essential to keep your cool. If you react emotionally, you’ll only make the situation worse. So instead, take a deep breath and try to see things from your boss’s perspective. Then, once you’ve calmed down, you can constructively address the situation.
2. Have a heart-to-heart.
Sometimes, the best way to work with a negative boss is to talk to them directly. Pull them aside for a brief chat and let them know how their behavior affects you. Most likely, they’re unaware of how their negativity impacts those around them. You can help them see the light and turn things around by bringing it to their attention.
3. Be proactive about communication.
One of the best ways to work with a negative boss is to be proactive about communication. Make sure you keep them updated on your progress and address any concerns they have before they have a chance to turn them into complaints. If your boss feels like they’re in the loop, they’ll be less likely to nitpick and complain.
4. Find ways to add value.
When you work for a negative boss, find ways to add value to your team or company that go above and beyond your job description. This will show your boss that you’re committed to improving things, not just complaining about how things are. Plus, it’ll make them look good too! Win-win!
5. Don’t take it personally.
Remember that your boss’s negativity probably has nothing to do with you as an individual. Your boss is unhappy with some other aspect of their life and is taking it out on those around them. As long as you’re doing your job well, there’s no reason for you to be the target of your boss’s negativity.
6. Try to see the positive side.
Seeing the positive may be impossible when you work for a negative boss, but it’s worth the effort. For example, if your boss constantly complains about other employees, try to focus on the fact that they are at least communicating with you. If your boss continually nitpicks your work, look at it as an opportunity to improve and learn from your mistakes. Sometimes it isn’t easy to find any silver lining, but try your best to stay positive.
7. Set boundaries.
It’s important to have boundaries when working with a negative person, especially when it’s your boss. If your boss starts complaining about another employee, politely excuse yourself and walk away. If your boss starts critiquing your work in a way that makes you uncomfortable, calmly explain that you’re open to constructive criticism but prefer not to be berated. Setting boundaries won’t stop your boss from being negative, but it will help protect you from becoming a victim of their negativity.
8. Talk to HR.
If you’ve tried everything else and nothing is working, it may be time to involve HR. But before you take this step, make sure you clearly understand your company’s policies and procedures regarding complaints about supervisors. You don’t want to get into hot water by making false accusations or speaking out of turn. But if you’ve exhausted all other options and feel like HR needs to get involved, feel free to reach out for help.
Working with a negative boss can be a challenge, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Millions of people across the country are in the same boat as you— many of them have found ways to cope with their situation. By following the eight tips above, you’ll be one step closer to finding a way to deal with your negative boss in a way that works for you.
