Working with a short-tempered boss can be a challenging experience.
Their emotional outbursts and unpredictable behaviour can create a stressful and tense work environment which not everybody would be comfortable with.
It is important to remember that everyone has their unique set of strengths and weaknesses and your ability to adapt and manage the situation can greatly impact your professional growth.
1. Don’t give in and keep calm
Dealing with a short-tempered boss can be emotionally draining, but it’s important to maintain your own composure in such situations. When your boss loses their temper, try to remain calm and collected as reacting with anger or frustration will only escalate the issue. Take a deep breath, count to ten and maintain a professional demeanor. Remember that your boss’s anger is often not about you but a result of their own stress or issues. By remaining composed, you demonstrate your ability to handle difficult situations, which can earn you respect and trust.
2. Listen actively
Communication is of utmost importance when working with a short-tempered boss. When they express their frustration or anger, it’s important to actively listen to what they are saying. Pay attention to the content of their message and the emotions behind it. Avoid interrupting or arguing, as this can further infuriate them. Once they have finished speaking, summarize their points to ensure you understood correctly. Show them that you hear and pay attention to them even when you don’t agree with what they said.
3. Restart the conversation later
If a previous issue led to a conflict which cut the conversation short, give yourself a day or two before reapproaching at a better time.
4. Try to offer solutions
Short-tempered bosses often become frustrated when presented with problems without potential solutions. To better work with them, learn to be part of the solution-finding process. When you encounter an issue, take the initiative to think of possible solutions or improvements. Present these ideas to your boss along with the problem, showing that you’re not just bringing up issues but also trying to solve them.
5. Try to manage your emotions
It’s natural to have emotional responses when dealing with a short-tempered boss, but learning to manage your reactions is much more helpful. Avoid mirroring their anger and instead channel your emotions in a constructive way. If you find yourself getting upset, take a short break to regain your composure. Using mindfulness and deep breathing techniques help you stay centered and in senses. Managing your reactions will help maintain professionalism.
6. Identify their triggers
If nothing seems to be working and changing jobs is out of the chart, sit back, understand their triggers and adapt. Every short-tempered boss has specific triggers that set off their temper. Start observing their trigger situation and begin to adapt your behavior accordingly. For example, your boss may be more irritable when the team is facing a tight deadline. By identifying a trigger, you can alter your approach to minimize potential conflicts. If you know your boss gets frustrated when interrupted, be mindful of when and how you approach them. This kind of adaptability can help create a smoother working relationship.
