When a ‘difficult’ boss can be a good thing

When people don’t like their boss, what I hear suggests that it’s often because they feel the boss is pushing them too hard, demanding what they call ‘perfect’ standards. But if you put your mind to it you could benefit. A tough boss can help you grow in the following ways: Push you out of your comfort zone:When you are coasting or wanting to just do your work and go home, you don’t want a boss breathing down your neck. But if you are doing the best you can, in what might be ‘high pressure’ circumstances, you could end up actually thriving under pressure –an important thing to be able to do these days.

You learn how to handle difficult people:

Many people would prefer not to deal with ‘difficult’ people. Well if you’re planning to hide in a corner doing your job then more power to you. But if you want something more significant, you are better off strengthening your people skills. Progressive organisations and industries are full of people who set high standards and demand they be achieved. If you want a career that will thrive, then your ability to deal with difficult and demanding people is an asset.

Teach you to toughen up:

Accept that you may not always meet the expectations of a demanding boss. Find another manager who has high standards and check with them that what you are providing is good quality–only that your boss wants the standards even higher. That way you will do your job professionally.

Figure out how to make things happen:

When the boss lumps you with tasks, without any guidance and still expects it to be done well, what do you do? That is lousy delegation, but unfortunately should not be used as your excuse for you to do a lousy job. As long as such the ‘difficult’ boss is not disrespecting you, find a way to rise above their ‘difficult’ personality.

Now take action:

What can you do to perform better under pressure?