All jobs are demanding, regardless of their nature.
That’s because while working, we are expounding some form of energy, whether mental or physical.
Having a boss who has unrealistic expectations can only serve to make matters worse!
That being said, if you happen to be in a work setup where you’re working longer hours, or handling more tasks than is expected of you, here are 10 ways to effectively handle hierachy of such manner:
Don’t take it Personally
Picture you were in the bosses shoes. Why are you overworking individuals? It’s because you most likely have certain goals and objects that you would like to be met, yes?
If that’s the case, then chance are high you will try to get the most out of your employees.
A demanding boss is focused on delivering results, not to having a negative fallout with his or her employees. Hence, you shouldn’t take his or her high-pressure seriously.
Consider Why Your Boss is Being So Demanding
Take a closer look at your boss. Could their sense of demand be personality-related, or they are having pressure from higher ups to meet certain objectives?
Knowing this can help you have a different approach to the situation. In the case that your boss is being overdemanding to meet certain objectives, it is wise to be sensitive to their demands.
Don’t Be A Punching Bag
Nevertheless, this does not mean that you should be someone’s punching bag. Don’t take lumps or insults with a smile on your face.
Your boss has invested time in you, so you have leverage in letting him know the ramifications of his work style.
You have the needed skills set, are relied upon and know the company culture.
If you’re performing well, it’s expensive and time-consuming to replace you. Keep that in mind when you are ready to approach your boss
Gently Confront Your Boss
Approach your boss with a calm, professional, rational style.
Don’t get caught up in the hysteria and try to keep a sense of humor to simmer any existing tension.
A little levity can go a long way in disarming a tense, demanding boss. And a lot of your success also depends on the delivery and timing of your discussion.
Listen And Repeat
Make sure you are always listening carefully, as ideas and directions may come quickly.
If you’re unsure about anything, ask clarifying questions. At the end of your meetings, repeat back the deliverables that you are responsible for to make sure you are on the same page.
And you never know: When the boss hears you rattle off your responsibilities, he might realize how unreasonable his expectations really are!
Set Mutual Expectations and priorities
When your boss gives you an assignment, review where it sits on the priority list; give an estimate of how long it will take and what, if anything, you need to complete it.
Offer a reality check on how a new assignment affects your other ones and the potential for other missed deadlines.
Come to an agreement before you run off and find yourself in a hodgepodge of unreasonable tasks.
Stay Positive
Your sense of calm and commitment to delivering the best results will be appreciated, and help coach your boss in a better direction.
Be a problem-solver, not a problem-maker
If you’re going to miss deadlines, raise your hand early on.
Come prepared to present your boss with potential solutions to show that you have the same sense of urgency as they do about projects.
If you encounter obstacles to completing a project, also bring these to your boss with potential solutions.
They may not be the right solution, but this type of boss will appreciate your effort to help solve.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise your boss when you see the behavior you strive for, like planning ahead together, and ensuring that your goals and deadlines are reasonable and aligned.
However, you have to tread carefully between worshipping them and looking like a teacher’s pet!
Celebrate Success
Be sure to flag your successes for your boss.
Since they are so focused on reaching goals, they may inadvertently miss some of your achievements.
They will appreciate you flagging these since, at the end of the day, your success is also their success.”